An exhibition and bazaar to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr W.E.B Du Bois was on Thursday opened by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in Accra.
The exhibition is part of a three-day activity scheduled to commemorate the passing on to eternity, of the Father of Pan Africanism.
Other events lined up for the occasion include a show of Ekow Ansah�s film, �Heritage African� for children and adults and an African fashion night, on May 24 and 25, 2013 respectively.
Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, opening the celebration said the event imposes on all Ghanaians certain obligations, as a nation and as a people.
She said the ideas of Pan Africanism, which Dr W. E B Du Bois tirelessly worked and died for, remained a challenge to today's generation.
�I wish to pay glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the Du Bois Centre, which seeks to promote the continued pursuit of self determination for Africa and the Diaspora and the rationalism of human rights for all people through research and public education, and the arts and constructive dialogue�, she added.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare noted that the creative arts sector in Ghana was endowed with much talent, creativity and innovation, which could be explored to the benefit of the tourism industry in particular and the nation as a whole.
She said the exhibition was the work of creative hands, and its beauty was in the identity and the opportunity it would give to people and the opportunity to promote local industry using resources from the Ghanaian environment.
�The exhibits include national collections comprising the works of renowned sculptors and painters like Oku Ampofo, Saka Acquaye, Kofi Antobam, Ai Aketor and E. O Bortimens, and also works of indefatigable sculptor Mr Sefa-Twerefour and others�, she added.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare however noted that one important factor that contributed to the growth and expansion of the arts sector, the protection of the intellectual property rights of owners, had been illegally exploited, thus demoralising the creators.
He added that something needed to be done about the situation to stem the death of creativity and innovation, which was the hallmark of the creative industry.
Mr Richard Keelson, Director of the W.E.B Du Bois Centre said the event was meant to encourage artists and craftsmen to showcase their wares, promote and find avenues to market their products.
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