Accra: The W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre in Accra, Ghana, is set to undergo a massive restoration project, aiming to revive its former glory as a symbol of African liberation and heritage. The project, slated to start around April 1st, 2026, is expected to be completed by February 23, 2027, and will include a new museum showcasing Du Bois’ life, a library, and a 50-room scholar’s residence.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, made the remarks during an official tour of the center. He emphasised the importance of preserving African heritage, saying, ‘You are not the beginning; you are part of the journey. The lessons we learn from history are burdenless.’ The center, a treasure trove of African literature and knowledge, is expected to become a global hub for Pan-Africanism, highlighting Ghana’s role in promoting African unity and culture.
The project is a collaboration between the Ghanaian government and the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, with a budget of approximately $200 million. Mr Japhet Aryiku, the Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, stated that $60 million is already being considered for the initial phases. Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Cultural and Creative Arts, noted the significance of the center for Pan-African culture and expressed her support for the restoration and development progress.
The Ghanaian government, in collaboration with the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, will redevelop the center into a major Pan-African historical, educational, and cultural complex. This project aims to promote African heritage, cultural exchange, and regional integration, making the center a hub for Pan-Africanism. The center, which opened to the public in 1985, serves as a memorial to Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, a renowned Pan-Africanist and civil rights activist.