The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, joined Ghanaians in Canada and city officials in Toronto to celebrate the official opening of Sankofa Square on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
The landmark square, formerly known as Yonge Dundas Square, was renamed following a two-year consultation process spearheaded by Toronto’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee. The renaming coincided with the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and reflects efforts to confront historical injustices tied to Henry Dundas, the square’s former namesake, who was accused of delaying the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
The opening, held under the theme “Looking Back, Building Forward”, featured cultural performances, art exhibitions, storytelling, Ghanaian food and products, as well as a vibrant showcase of Ghanaian heritage by the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO).
Representing President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described the renaming as a symbolic act of remembrance and justice.
“The renaming of Yonge Dundas Square to Sankofa Square is not merely a change of name, it 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, justice and acknowledges the centrality of memory in the journey forward,” she said.
She also linked the event to Ghana’s Black Star Experience programme, emphasizing the country’s continued role as a beacon of Pan-Africanism and cultural exchange.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the collective responsibility of healing from history.
“The story of the African diaspora is woven into the fabric of Canada and the world. Sankofa teaches us that history must be faced together and that healing is collective,” he noted, while announcing the Sankofa Freedom Movement Project, set to be launched in Toronto next year.
On behalf of the Canadian government,Toronto City Mayor, Olivia Chow and City Councillor Chris Moise reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting the project while strengthening ties with Ghana.
The word Sankofa originating from Ghana, means “go back and get it,” symbolized by a bird looking backward while holding an egg, reflecting the importance of learning from the past to build a better future.
On behalf of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), representatives, the Deputy Director, Coperate Affairs, Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi and Sena Sadat Abdulai, Project officer at the Office of the CEO, promoted Ghana as a prime destination for cultural tourism, inviting Canadians, diasporans, and global travelers to experience the country’s rich heritage.
The renaming of Sankofa Square was approved by Toronto City Council with a vote of 17 to 6, marking a significant step toward addressing historical injustices and advancing inclusivity in the city.
