Toronto, Canada, has officially renamed its iconic downtown Yonge-Dundas Square to “Sankofa Square,” marking a historic act of remembrance, reclamation, and reconciliation with the African diaspora. The renaming was formally launched on Saturday, 23rd August 2025, with a vibrant day-long celebration that showcased Ghanaian culture, arts, music, and food under the theme “Looking Back, Building Forward.”
The name change follows a two-year consultation led by Toronto’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee, which included Black and Indigenous leaders, residents, and business owners. The process was sparked by a petition against Henry Dundas, an 18th-century Scottish politician widely blamed for delaying the abolition of the Transatlantic slave trade. After years of dialogue and research, “Sankofa” – a powerful Ghanaian symbol meaning “go back and get it” – was chosen to represent remembrance, healing, and hope for the future.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama at the event, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie described the renaming as “not merely a change of name, but an act of remembrance, reclamation, and reconciliation.” She added: “By choosing Sankofa, the city of Toronto affirms the importance of African heritage in the global struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.”
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the shared journey of healing: “Sankofa teaches us that history must be faced together and that healing is collective.” He further announced the upcoming launch of the Sankofa Freedom Movement Project in Toronto next year.
Toronto City Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Chris Moise, who championed the initiative, expressed Canada’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana and ensuring that Sankofa Square becomes a living space for dialogue, cultural exchange, and reconciliation.
Beyond the symbolic renaming, the celebration highlighted Ghana’s role as a hub of Pan-Africanism and cultural heritage. Through initiatives such as PANAFEST, Emancipation Day, the Year of Return, and Beyond the Return, Ghana has opened its doors to the African diaspora worldwide.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), represented by Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, Mr. Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi (Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs), and Mr. Sena Sadat Abdulai (Project Officer, Office of the CEO) used the occasion to market Ghana as a premier cultural tourism destination to Canadians and international visitors alike.
The renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square was passed by the Toronto City Council with a 17–6 vote. The decision is regarded as a firm commitment to confronting anti-Black racism, advancing truth and reconciliation, and building a more inclusive Toronto.
The Sankofa symbol – a bird looking back while holding an egg – reflects survival, remembrance, and the wisdom of learning from the past to shape a stronger future. With Sankofa Square, Toronto and Ghana reaffirm their shared commitment to honouring history while building a more inclusive tomorrow.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
