On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Sankofa Square in Toronto, Canada - formerly known as Yonge Dundas Square - hosted the official opening ceremony of the Sankofa Day Celebrations.

This milestone event coincides with the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, underscoring the significance of renaming the square to "Sankofa Square," which draws from Ghanaian heritage. 

The term "Sankofa" means "go back and get it," symbolizing learning from the past to build a progressive future.

The change of name is a result of a two-year consultation process led by the Toronto city’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee comprising black and indigenous leaders, residents and business owners.

 The process to rename the iconic square in Toronto’s downtown core was precipitated by a petition that claiming that its namesake, Henry Dundas, a Scottish politician from the 1770’s to the early 1800’s was a major proponent in delaying the abolition of the Transatlantic slave trade.

 Following two years of community consultation, research and discussion, the Toronto City’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee (CAC) reached consensus choice on the name “Sankofa Square” for Yonge Dundas Square.

Themed, “ Looking Back, Building Forward”, last Saturday’s was the official opening and it was marked with cultural performances, art installations, music, sports, storytelling, sale of made in Ghana products, Ghanaian foods, paintings, sculptures, etc. 

Ghanaians in Toronto led by the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) were hugely part of the celebration.  

Speaking on behalf of His Excellency the President, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie said, “the renaming of the Yonge Dundas Square to Sankofa Square is not merely a change of name, it is an act of remembrance and an act of reclamation and an act of reparations. It is a bold step towards justice and healing not just for the people of Toronto but for all Africans, at home and in the Diaspora”. 

She further noted that “in renaming the Sankofa Square, Toronto sends a powerful message to the rest of the world that it is possible to face history with honesty, to dismantle legacies of oppression and commit to building an inclusive and equitable future. 

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 towards freedom”

She explained that Black Star Experience, the government’s flagship programme stands as a beacon of Pan – Africanism and African liberation.

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, said the story of the African Diaspora is woven into the fabric of Canada and the world. 

“We also honour the presence of the white diaspora community that has made Canada a home. Sankofa teaches us that history must be faced together and that healing is collective,” he said. 

He announced the Sankofa Freedom Movement Project to be unveiled one year in Toronto, Canada. He expressed appreciation to the Canadian Government, Toronto City Mayor - Olivia Chow and Toronto City Councillor – Chris Moise for their immense efforts and support to the project.

On behalf of the Canadian Government, Toronto City Mayor - Olivia Chow and Toronto City Councillor – Chris Moise expressed the desire of the Canadian Government to continue supporting the project and maintain the cordial Diplomatic relations between both countries.

On behalf of the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, the team from GTA comprising Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs and Sena Sadat Abdulai, Project Officer at the Office of the CEO, took the opportunity to promote and market Ghana as a destination of choice to Canadians, tourists, foreigners, diasporans and people of African descent.