AKWAABA

Welcome to the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan‑African Culture 🌍

Nestled in the leafy Cantonments neighborhood of Accra, the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre is a serene sanctuary dedicated to the life, legacy, and ideals of Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois — one of history’s most formidable champions of civil rights and Pan‑Africanism.

A Living Legacy

Once the home of Du Bois himself (who became a Ghanaian citizen in the 1960s and lived here until his passing in 1963), the centre opened its doors on June 22, 1985, transforming a personal residence into a national memorial and cultural research hub webduboiscentreaccra.ghana-net.com, it stands as a testament to his lifelong commitment to unity, equality, and intellectual liberation.

What to Explore

• The Home & Museum: Walk through Du Bois’s restored living quarters, discover his personal library filled with original works, manuscripts, and thought-provoking photos that chronicle his lifelong activism.

• The Mausoleum: Visit the peaceful shrine where Du Bois and his wife, Shirley Graham‑Du Bois, rest together — a moving site of reflection.

• Marcus Garvey Guest House & Seminar Hall: These spaces still welcome researchers, scholars, and cultural explorers from around the world.

• Annual Events & Research Offerings: Engage with regular dialogues, workshops, and gatherings focused on Pan‑Africanism, social justice, and African history.

Why It Matters

• Pan‑African Beacon: Du Bois co‑founded the Niagara Movement (precursor to the NAACP) and was instrumental in organizing international Pan‑African Congresses. In his final years, he authored key portions of the Encyclopaedia Africana from this very site Wikipedia.

• Cultural & Educational Powerhouse: The centre houses a research library, exhibitions, and archival material — and is undergoing expansion supported by Ghana’s government and the Mellon Foundation to become a full-fledged educational complex.

Practical Information

• 📍 Location: No. 22 First Circular Road (Fifth Link Road), Cantonments, Accra 

• 🕘 Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM–4 PM; Saturday 10 AM–3 PM; closed on Sundays 

• 💵 Guided Tours: Highly recommended — affordably priced, they take you through the house, museum, mausoleum, and grounds.

• 🛍️ Craft Market: A small, vibrant market on the grounds offers locally made crafts and fresh produce.

Visitor Tips

• Combine wisdom with discovery: Pair your visit with nearby sites like Independence Square or the Ghana National Museum.

• Come weekday mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.

• Be present: Take time in the gardens and amphitheatre to reflect on Du Bois’s words — “The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.” New York Amsterdam News

At the heart of the Du Bois Centre lies more than stone and manuscripts — it is a living, breathing dialogue between past and future. As you explore, you become part of a story that transcends borders and generations: the pursuit of freedom, dignity, and unity.

Welcome to a place where African history, scholarship, and unity converge.