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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The name \u201cSankofa\u201d, 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\u2019s 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\u2019s former namesake, whose political actions were linked to delaying the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.<\/p>\n
The official launch, themed \u201cLooking Back, Building Forward,\u201d 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\u2014all highlighting the richness of Ghana\u2019s culture and identity.<\/p>\n
Leading Ghana\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
In her keynote address, Hon. Gomashie stressed that the renaming was far more than symbolic:
\n\u201cThis 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She further spotlighted Ghana\u2019s flagship cultural initiative, the \u201cBlack Star Experience,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s deep appreciation to the Canadian Government, Mayor Olivia Chow, and City Councillor Chris Moise for their partnership and support.<\/p>\n
Mayor Chow and Councillor Moise, in turn, reaffirmed Toronto\u2019s commitment to reconciliation, anti-racism, and cultural inclusivity. Their backing was reinforced by the Toronto City Council\u2019s 17\u20136 vote in favour of the renaming, a decisive move hailed as a landmark step in truth, reconciliation, and racial justice.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku -Publica Relations Unit \u2013 MoTCCA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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