Toronto: The city of Toronto, Canada, witnessed a historic cultural milestone on Saturday when the 'Sankofa Square,' formerly known as Yonge-Dundas Square, was officially inaugurated.
According to Ghana News Agency, the renaming of the iconic square in Toronto's downtown core was the outcome of a two-year consultation process led by the city's Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee. The committee, comprised of Black and Indigenous leaders, residents, and local business owners, reached a consensus to rename the square due to the controversial legacy associated with its former namesake, Henry Dundas, a Scottish politician known for his role in delaying the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
The new name, Sankofa, which originates from Ghana, symbolizes the act of returning to the past to retrieve knowledge and lessons for the future. The renaming ceremony coincided with the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and was marked by vibrant celebrations with the theme 'Looking Back, Building Forward.'
The official launch featured a full day of activities, including cultural performances, storytelling, sports, traditional music and dance, art exhibitions, Ghanaian cuisine, and the sale of Made-in-Ghana products. The Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario led the Ghanaian community in showcasing the country's rich tapestry of culture and identity.
Ghana's delegation was led by Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing President John Dramani Mahama. In her keynote address, Madam Gomashie stated that the renaming was not merely a change of name but an act of remembrance, reclamation, and reparations. She emphasized the symbolic importance of Sankofa Square as a bold step towards justice and healing for Africans both on the Continent and in the Diaspora.
Mr. Quayson reiterated the interconnected histories of African and white diasporas, calling for unity in remembrance and healing. He announced the forthcoming Sankofa Freedom Movement Project, set to be launched in Toronto in 2026, and expressed appreciation to the Canadian Government, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and City Councilor Chris Moise for their support and partnership.
Mayor Chow and Councilor Moise reaffirmed Toronto's commitment to confronting anti-Black racism, acknowledging historical injustices, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable city. Toronto City Council voted 17 - 6 in favor of the renaming, marking a transformative step in Canada's ongoing journey of truth, reconciliation, and racial justice.
Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and Sena Sadat Abdulai, Project Officer, representing the GTA, used the platform to promote Ghana as a premier tourism and cultural destination for Canadians, members of the diaspora, and international visitors.
The celebration of Sankofa Square stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural identity, remembrance, and international solidarity in shaping a more just and inclusive future.
