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MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE AND CREATIVE ARTS, GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY CELEBRATES “SANKOFA SQUARE” IN TORONTO, CANADA

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The official opening ceremony for the Sankofa Day Celebrations took place on Saturday, 23rd August, 2025 at the Sankofa Square, Toronto – Canada, formery Yonge Dundas Square. The day and change of name from Yonge Dundas Square to “Sankofa Square” is very significant to the history of Ghana as it marks the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

 

The change of name is as 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.

 

Sankofa square hosted a full day celebration on 23rd August, 2025 marking the official launch and opening under the theme, “Looking Back, Building Forward” with cultural performances, art installations, music, sports, story telling, sale of made in Ghana products, Ghanaian foods, paintings, sculptures, etc. The Toronto Ghanaian community led by the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) participated in the celebrations with the pride of Ghanaian culture and pageantry.

 

Representing His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama were the Hon. Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie and the Hon. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayeson. Speaking on behalf of His Excellency the President, Hon. Gomashie stated that “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 reiterated the modus operandi of the Black Star Experience, the government’s flagship programme “Since Ghana’s independence in 1957, the country stands as a beacon of Pan – Africanism and African liberation. Ghana has open its doors to the rest of the world through initiatives such as PANAFEST / Emancipation, Year of Return, Beyond the Return and now the Black Star Experience. The Black Star Experience is a call for total cultural immersion and it dovetails into the renaming of the Square. The Sankofa Square should therefore be a living space of dialogue, cultural exchange, education and empowerment”

 

The Hon. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs on the other hand also stated that “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 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.

 

The name Sankofa originates from Ghana and it means, “Go back and get it” symbolizing learning from the past to build a progressive future. The name Sankofa is an image of a bird, with its body and feet facing forward, looking backwards to collect an egg from its back or holding an egg in its mouth. It is a symbol of survival, reclamation and remembrance. The name change reflects Toronto City’s commitment to confronting anti black racism, acknowledging the impact of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery, advancing truth and reconciliation, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. In removing the name “Dundas” associated with Henry Dundas who delayed the abolition of the slave trade, Toronto city says this new name reflects the city’s commitment to taking steps to right wrongs, confronting anti-black racism and building a more inclusive Toronto for all. Toronto City Council voted 17 to 6 in favour of moving forward with the name change.

 

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.

*Source : GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY*

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Shatta Wale hints at contesting Ablekuma South seat as independent candidate in 2028

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Musician Shatta Wale

Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has opened up about the possibility of venturing into politics, revealing that he may consider running for office as an independent parliamentary candidate if there is significant public demand ahead of the 2028 elections.

 

He said this during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen talk show with OB. Government name, Charles Nii Armah Jnr., said he does not intend to affiliate with any political party should he decide to enter the political arena.

 

According to him, his interest in politics would be driven by a desire to serve the people rather than by personal wealth. He disclosed that if the opportunity arises, he would consider contesting the parliamentary seat for Ablekuma South as an independent candidate.

 

“If the people push me to go into politics, I will consider it. I won’t do it because I’m rich, but because I want to serve the people. I would contest the Ablekuma South seat, but I won’t join any political party. I would prefer to run as an independent candidate if the calls become stronger by 2028,” he said.

 

Shatta Wale also spoke about his strong attachment to Ghana, explaining that his love for the country is one of the reasons he continues to live here despite opportunities to travel or relocate abroad.

He noted that traveling outside the country can be quite costly for him, which makes him more comfortable staying in Ghana.

“I love Ghana so much. Anytime someone asks me to travel abroad, I feel a bit uneasy because I end up spending more money there. Life outside is expensive,” he explained.

The musician added that living in Ghana allows him to enjoy a level of freedom that he values.

“In Ghana, I feel free. Sometimes I go to certain places and I’m able to walk around without any problem,” he said.

He also urged Ghanaians to cultivate a positive mindset, emphasizing that a constructive outlook can drive meaningful change in society.

“If you keep a positive mindset, you can influence change in many ways,” he added.

 

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Legendary musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi Accuses Kuami Eugene of Song Theft

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Legendary Highlife musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi has accused fellow Highlife artiste Kuami Eugene of using his song without authorization.

According to the veteran musician, Kuami Eugene performed his song word for word and uploaded it on YouTube without seeking permission from him. He explained that although the younger artiste sang the song well and added some flavour to it, he did not contact him beforehand to seek clearance.

Speaking on the flagship Ekwanso Dwoodwoo drive time show on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi said he was surprised when he heard the rendition of his song Asem Kakra Bi online.

“Kuami Eugene has taken my song. Visit his YouTube platform; he did it very well.

He sang the song so nicely, and I was awed when I heard it. Just Google Asem Kakra Bi and you’ll find it. He did a very good job on the song though. But Kuami never spoke to me about the song. It’s not like he sampled it or took some parts of it; he sang it word for word,” he said.

When asked by Nana Romeo whether Kuami Eugene was supposed to seek permission before using the song, the veteran musician responded that the right procedure would have been to request clearance.

However, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi indicated that he does not hold any personal grudge against the Angela hitmaker, describing him as someone he sees as a son.

“I won’t fault him that much. He’s like my son, so if he admires my work and uses it, I have no problem with it,” he noted.

Despite his forgiving stance, the veteran musician maintained that proper respect and due process should have been followed.

He added that although Kuami Eugene may know his work, the artiste has never personally introduced himself to him.

“I have forgiven him, but if someday he introduces himself to me, I will be happy. He should bring me my portion of the earnings. Not giving me even a penny is not right,” he added.

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Police Arrest Counsellor Lutterodt Over Alleged Incitement in Viral Video About Late Highlife Star Daddy Lumba

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Marriage counsellor and public commentator Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly known as Counsellor Lutterodt, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over remarks made in a viral video that allegedly incited youth to storm the residence of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba.

The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following investigations into comments authorities say were offensive and capable of disturbing public peace.

In a press release issued on March 10, 2026, and signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawoo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, police indicated that Lutterodt’s remarks were linked to issues surrounding the late musician.

“Police investigations indicate that the suspect made some comments in relation to issues surrounding the late musician which are considered offensive and capable of causing a breach of the peace,” the statement said.

Although the police did not disclose the exact content of the viral video, reports suggest the remarks targeted the memory of Daddy Lumba and circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. Lutterodt is alleged to have encouraged some youth to exhume the musician’s body from his residence in East Legon.

Counsellor Lutterodt is a well-known figure in Ghana’s media landscape, frequently appearing on radio and television programmes to provide relationship advice and commentary on social issues. His outspoken style has often generated both support and controversy.

Police confirmed that he has since been granted bail but will be arraigned before court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

According to the CID, Lutterodt will face charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as well as inciting violence under provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).

The offences relate to behaviour or speech that could provoke violence, public disorder, or actions likely to disturb societal peace.

Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, died on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy and a large fan base across the country and beyond.

Lutterodt is expected to appear before an Accra court on Wednesday, where the charges will be formally read and his legal team will respond.

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