August 26, 2025 – Toronto, Canada, marked a historic cultural milestone with the official inauguration of Sankofa Square, formerly known as Yonge-Dundas Square, located in the heart of the city’s downtown. The renaming, which aligned with the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the preservation of African heritage.
The name “Sankofa”, derived from Ghana and symbolised by a bird looking back to retrieve an egg, embodies the principle of returning to the past to draw lessons for the future. Its adoption followed a two-year consultation process led by Toronto’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee, which comprised Black and Indigenous leaders, residents, and local business representatives. The decision was driven by the controversial legacy of Henry Dundas, the square’s former namesake, whose political actions were linked to delaying the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
The official launch, themed “Looking Back, Building Forward,” was marked with a colourful celebration featuring storytelling, traditional music and dance, cultural performances, sports, art exhibitions, Ghanaian cuisine, and the display of Made-in-Ghana products—all highlighting the richness of Ghana’s culture and identity.
Leading Ghana’s delegation was Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, alongside Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who represented President John Dramani Mahama. They were joined by officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), including Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs, and Ms. Sena Sadat Abdulai, Project Officer.
In her keynote address, Hon. Gomashie stressed that the renaming was far more than symbolic:
“This is an act of remembrance, reclamation, and reparations. By choosing Sankofa, the city of Toronto affirms the importance of African heritage in the global struggle for freedom and acknowledges the centrality of memory in the journey towards liberation,” she said.
She further spotlighted Ghana’s flagship cultural initiative, the “Black Star Experience,” which builds on landmark projects such as PANAFEST, the Year of Return, and Beyond the Return, while urging that Sankofa Square should serve as a living space for dialogue, cultural exchange, education, and empowerment.
Hon. Quayson echoed her call for unity in remembrance and announced the forthcoming Sankofa Freedom Movement Project, scheduled for launch in Toronto in 2026. He also conveyed Ghana’s deep appreciation to the Canadian Government, Mayor Olivia Chow, and City Councillor Chris Moise for their partnership and support.
Mayor Chow and Councillor Moise, in turn, reaffirmed Toronto’s commitment to reconciliation, anti-racism, and cultural inclusivity. Their backing was reinforced by the Toronto City Council’s 17–6 vote in favour of the renaming, a decisive move hailed as a landmark step in truth, reconciliation, and racial justice.
The inauguration of Sankofa Square stands as a powerful affirmation of African heritage on the global stage, strengthening Ghana-Canada cultural ties while advancing the shared vision of justice, remembrance, and inclusive development.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku -Publica Relations Unit – MoTCCA
