The Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, Japhet Aryiku, has addressed recent allegations that the Ghanaian government has sold or leased the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre to the foundation for 50 years. These claims were made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who criticized the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration for allegedly transferring control of the Centre to a newly established private foundation. He firmly denied the allegations, stating that the claims were entirely false.
The Executive Director explained that the arrangement between the Du Bois Museum Foundation and the Ministry of Tourism is a collaborative partnership aimed at securing funding, developing, operating, and managing the Du Bois Centre. Mr. Aryiku emphasized that the agreement is not a sale or lease agreement, but rather a partnership to ensure the development and management of the Centre.
He revealed that the agreement is set for an initial term of 30 years, with the possibility of extending it for an additional 20 years. Mr. Aryiku highlighted that there is no provision in the agreement obligating the government to make any payments to the foundation, even in the event of a termination of the partnership.
He explained that the 50-year period mentioned in the allegations is broken down into two phases: an initial 30 years and a possible extension of 20 years. Mr. Aryiku assured that the foundation is committed to working with the Ministry of Tourism to develop and manage the Centre, and that the partnership is aimed at promoting the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois.
The Executive Director emphasized that the foundation is transparent and accountable in its dealings and is committed to ensuring that the Centre is developed and managed for the benefit of Ghanaians and the global community. Mr. Aryiku’s clarification has shed light on the true nature of the agreement between the Du Bois Museum Foundation and the Ministry of Tourism, dispelling the allegations made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
