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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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‘Please Forgive Me’ – Awal Apologises to Senior Colleagues

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Ghanaian rapper Awal has publicly apologised to his senior colleagues, including Fameye, Medikal, and every other creative industry player he may have offended over the years, saying he wants to put past misunderstandings behind him and focus on unity within the Ghanaian music industry.

Speaking during an interview on Okay FM, Awal admitted that some of his relationships with fellow musicians were damaged by misunderstandings and competition. He said he now regrets how some situations unfolded and believes it is time to reconcile for the growth of the industry.

Awal Opens Up About Fallout with Fameye

Awal disclosed that his relationship with Fameye, whom he described as someone he was once close friends with, deteriorated after a business misunderstanding dating back to around 2019.

According to the rapper, the disagreement began after he featured Fameye on his song “Akuapem Ploo.” He explained that he paid the award-winning singer GH¢500 to appear in the music video for the song, but Fameye allegedly failed to show up for the scheduled video shoot.

Although the incident strained their friendship, Awal said he no longer wants to dwell on the past.

“I had issues with Fameye. I don’t even know how it ended, but there was a misunderstanding between us. I don’t know how he felt. Maybe he felt really bad. I would like to tell him that if I’ve stepped on his toes, I’m sorry. We were friends and there was business involved, but sometimes I feel bad that we don’t have that kind of vibe anymore,” Awal said.

Apology to Medikal

Awal also extended an apology to rapper Medikal, explaining that their misunderstanding stemmed from the competitive culture of hip-hop, where rappers often exchange lyrical attacks through their songs.

He revealed that he recorded a diss track titled “Take It or Leave It,” adding that although Medikal had supported and admired him in the past, the nature of rap music may have caused him to offend the award-winning rapper.

“As for Medikal, I recorded a song, ‘Take It or Leave It.’ In the hip-hop fraternity, it’s part of the culture to take shots at someone. Medikal also used to like me and support me, but through rap culture, one way or the other, I stepped on his toes,” he explained.

Appeals to All Senior Colleagues

Beyond Fameye and Medikal, Awal extended his apology to every senior colleague in Ghana’s creative arts industry whom he may have offended over the years.

He urged musicians and other industry players to forgive one another, put personal differences aside, and work together to elevate Ghanaian music on the international stage.

“To all my colleagues in the industry, if I’ve stepped on your toes in one way or another, I want to say please find a place in your heart to forgive me. Let’s do this together because we are doing this for the culture. Let’s put Ghana on the map,” he appealed.

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Ghanaians Question Akwaboah’s Advice to Save GH¢8,000 Monthly Before Marriage

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Highlife musician Akwaboah has sparked intense conversations on social media after advising Ghanaians to save GH¢8,000 every month before getting married, with many describing the suggestion as unrealistic considering the country’s current economic conditions.

In a post shared on X on July 15, 2026, the singer wrote:

“Learn to save 8,000 cedis from your salary every month. Save before you marry. I go come explain soon.”

The post quickly gained traction, attracting hundreds of reactions from users who questioned how many Ghanaians earn enough to set aside such an amount each month.

Many social media users argued that while financial preparedness before marriage is important, the suggested savings target does not reflect the financial realities of the average worker.

One user responded, “How much is the salary itself? And now you’re talking about saving GH¢8,000 from it? You really have to explain this.”

Another commenter also questioned the practicality of the advice, writing, “Did you really mean the three zeros after the 8? How much does President Mahama even save at the end of the month? Please come again.”

Beyond the financial debate, some users suggested Akwaboah has increasingly positioned himself as a relationship adviser since getting married.

One reaction read, “Ever since you got married, you’ve been giving plenty of advice. You should focus on making music instead.”

Another user remarked that the singer appeared to be speaking from personal experience, noting that many people who have been married for decades rarely offer such public advice, despite having far more experience.

Despite the criticism, some users supported Akwaboah’s message, saying couples should prioritise saving before marriage. However, they maintained that the amount should depend on an individual’s income and financial capacity rather than a fixed figure.

The singer has indicated that he will soon explain the reasoning behind his recommendation, leaving many followers waiting for further clarification.

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Stonebwoy Mourns Reggae Icon Fantan Mojah, Says His Voice Will Live Forever

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Afro-dancehall star Stonebwoy has paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary Jamaican reggae artist Fantan Mojah following the news of his passing. In an emotional message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Stonebwoy described the late musician as a cultural icon whose music inspired generations and whose legacy would continue to influence people worldwide.

Reflecting on Fantan Mojah’s visit to Ghana during the 2025 Bhim Festival, Stonebwoy said it had been a privilege to host the reggae veteran in the Motherland. He noted that the festival provided an opportunity to celebrate the artist’s immense contributions to reggae music, culture, and conscious storytelling.

Referencing Fantan Mojah’s iconic song “Macka Tree,” Stonebwoy praised the singer as a symbol of truth, resilience, and authentic cultural expression. He emphasized that although the reggae legend had passed away, his voice and message would continue to live on through his timeless music.

Stonebwoy wrote:

“It was an honour to welcome you to the Motherland and to celebrate your legacy at @BHIMFESTIVAL 25. You stood tall like the Macka Tree—rooted in culture, unshaken in truth, and sheltering generations with your sound. Rest well, Jah Warrior.”

He continued with another emotional tribute:

“Though you’ve returned to the ancestors, your voice still echoes in every chant, every prayer, every revolution your music sparked. Your songs were more than music—they were medicine, they were fire, they were faith. You uplifted my spirit, and you continue to uplift millions worldwide. FANTAN MOJAH Forever in our hearts.”

Fantan Mojah, born Owen Moncrieffe, died at the age of 49, only weeks before his 50th birthday. According to reports, he passed away on July 14, 2026, at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, after suffering heart-related complications.

The celebrated reggae artist was widely respected for his spiritually conscious lyrics, Rastafarian beliefs, and commitment to using music as a vehicle for truth, hope, and social awareness. His death marks a significant loss to the global reggae community, with tributes continuing to pour in from fellow musicians and fans around the world.

Stonebwoy’s tribute also reflects the deep cultural ties between Ghana and Jamaica, as artists from both countries continue to celebrate and embrace each other’s musical heritage. His message highlighted Fantan Mojah’s influence beyond entertainment, pointing to the reggae icon’s commitment to spreading messages of unity, faith, and cultural identity through his music.

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