Canadian Street, Public Square Finally Named After GH Andinkra Symbol, Sankofa: "Proudly Ghanaian"

• On August 23, 2025, Toronto officially renamed Yonge-Dundas Square as Sankofa Square during International Sankofa Day
• The renaming honoured Ghanaian heritage, following the Toronto City Council’s 2023 vote removing Henry Dundas’ association
• Community leaders and diasporas celebrated the change, marking reconciliation and inclusivity within Toronto’s public space

Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, are celebrating after Toronto's most iconic public space was given a new Ghanaian name.

Yonge-Dundas Square was on August 23, 2025 officially renamed Sankofa Square. This Ghanaian-named street is set to symbolise a step to reconciliation and cultural recognition.

The renaming ceremony is said to coincide with International Sankofa Day. This was also a date observed by the United Nations to remember the slave trade story and its abolition.

In a video sighted on TikTok, the event drew community leaders, city officials, artists, and members of the African diaspora out in celebration.

Toronto renames street to Sankofa Square

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The name change, however, followed years of public debate and a series of consultations.

In December 2023, Toronto City Council voted in favour of renaming the square after widespread calls to remove references to Henry Dundas, the Scottish politician historically associated with delaying the abolition of the slave trade.

The chosen name, Sankofa, comes from the Akan language of Ghana and an Andinkra Symbol.

It means “go back and get it.” It acts as a reminder that societies must learn from the past to shape a better, more inclusive future.

Commenting on the great development, Juliet Opoku, the Vice President of the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontorio (GCAO) said:

"I'm very proud as a Black person, as an African, as a person of African decent; this is fundamental for our children to be able to see that there's still hope out there for us."

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City officials also described the renaming as more than a name change. They framed it as an act of reclaiming history and honoring resilience.

“Sankofa Square is a space where Toronto can gather, reflect, and celebrate its diversity,” one organiser said.

The newly christened Sankofa Square is expected to continue as a hub for concerts, festivals, and civic gatherings.

Watch the moment of celebration below:

Sankofa Square celebration stirs reactions from locals

The celebration of the event brought about mixed reactions from locals and citizens of other countries online. Some of the comments are below.

The Greek's Fire said:

"This is a win for Asanteman since most of the people don't want to accept Asante Twi as an official language."

£ivl 5&6 wrote:

"But if Nigeria have the same square in Ghana, it would be war."

Mark Miki commented:

"B3 is crying. Asante ye oman ampa."

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Enocmarcus applauded:

"Ghana is gradually going forward. 💪"

Richisrich questioned:

"So would you allow Nigerians to open a square here in Ghana?"

Street in Nigeria named after Ghanaian YouTuber

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Berthold Kobina Winkler Ackon, a Ghanaian YouTuber famously known as Wode Maya, was honoured in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigerian YouTuber Steven Ndukwu accompanied him to unveil the street signage, which shows a road named after him.

Several social media users who saw the post congratulated Wode Maya and said he deserved the honour.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh