Toronto Renames Yonge Dundas Square to Sankofa Square

Toronto's vibrant Yonge-Dundas Square has a new name, and with it, a powerful new purpose. On August 23, 2025, a day chosen to coincide with the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, the city unveiled a profound transformation, renaming the iconic public space Sankofa Square. This wasn't just a simple name change; it was a deeply meaningful act that etched history and shared humanity into the very heart of the city's landscape.

This change is a powerful recognition of the enduring bonds between Africa and its global diaspora, a connection that is particularly poignant for Toronto's diverse population.

Why Sankofa?

The name itself tells a story. Sankofa is a concept and a symbol originating from the Akan people of Ghana. It's often depicted as a bird with its head turned backwards, carrying a precious egg in its mouth. The literal translation is "return and fetch it." It serves as a powerful proverb: We must look to our past and retrieve what is valuable, the knowledge, traditions, and lessons, so that we can build a strong and prosperous future.

By choosing this name, Toronto is making a bold statement. It's acknowledging the painful and complex history of the transatlantic slave trade while also honouring the resilience and richness of Black culture. The city is committing to a future that is not only diverse but also deeply mindful of its past.

• When Toronto remembers, the world remembers — and Ghana leads in telling that story.”
• Sankofa Square is a beacon for memory, resilience, and Pan-African unity.”

Ghana's Presence: A Beacon of Pan-African Memory

The ceremony was a testament to the global significance of this event, with Ghana playing a central role. Representing His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, esteemed figures such as Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie and Hon. James Gyakye Quayson were present to deliver Ghana’s message of remembrance and unity.

This wasn't just a diplomatic formality. The presence of these officials underscored Ghana's role as a leading voice in the Pan-African cultural heritage movement. The Ghana Tourism Authority, led by CEO Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, highlighted this leadership by spotlighting Ghana’s Black Star Experience. This initiative is a powerful effort to position Ghana as the gateway to Pan-African memory, inviting the diaspora to connect with their ancestral roots.

📌 What is Sankofa?

• An Akan Adinkra symbol represented by a bird looking backward with an egg in its mouth.

• Meaning: “Go back and fetch it” — retrieving lessons from the past to build a better future.

📌 Timeline: Ghana & Pan-African Milestones

• 1957: Ghana gains independence, inspiring African liberation movements.

• 1992: UNESCO designates the Door of No Return at Cape Coast Castle as a site of memory.

• 2019: Ghana’s “Year of Return” marks 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Virginia.

• 2025: Toronto renames Yonge Dundas Square to Sankofa Square, strengthening global cultural ties.

📌 Key Figure Highlight:
Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority — spearheading the Black Star Experience, a flagship initiative connecting Ghana to the diaspora through culture, heritage, and tourism.

📌 Why It Matters Globally

• First major North American public square named after an Akan concept.

• Strengthens Ghana’s image as the home of heritage tourism.

📌 Did You Know?

• Over 1 million people visited Ghana during the Year of Return (2019), cementing its role as the top heritage tourism destination in Africa.

A Global Call to Action

The renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square sends a powerful message far beyond Toronto's city limits. It strengthens cultural ties across the diaspora and elevates Ghana’s role as a vital center for heritage tourism, history, and identity. It serves as a reminder that the past is not a foreign country but a living part of our present, full of lessons to guide our way forward.

As Toronto embraces the spirit of Sankofa, the world is reminded of Ghana's timeless call: to honour the past, embrace our roots, and forge a future where memory and unity are our guiding lights.