The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson (MP), participated in the first-anniversary observance of Sankofa Square in Toronto, Canada, from August 21 to 23, 2026.
He was accompanied by Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, and the Consul-General of Ghana in Toronto, Mr. Peter Kobina Taylor.
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In his remarks, the Deputy Minister explained that “Sankofa” embodies the principle of returning to reclaim and draw from one’s roots, underscoring the importance of reconnecting with African history, heritage and cultural identity.
He described Sankofa Square as an important platform for celebrating and promoting African culture through fashion, music, dance, cuisine and other creative expressions.
Hon. Gyakye Quayson reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding commitment to strengthening engagement with the diaspora through initiatives including the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, the Black Star Experience and the Diaspora Summits.
He stressed the importance of empowering diasporan youth to appreciate their heritage, deepen their cultural identity and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development and future.
The Deputy Minister also underscored the importance of pursuing reparatory justice in response to historical injustices against Africans and people of African descent through the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialized chattel enslavement of Africans.
He called for sustained dialogue, advocacy and international cooperation to advance the global reparations agenda being championed by Ghana.
