Toronto offered a vivid reminder of Ghana’s global influence after the country opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a victory over Panama at the Toronto stadium.
The win had sparked excitement across the city, but Ghana’s presence in Toronto extended far beyond the football. From food and markets to worship, media and traditional culture, the country’s influence could be felt throughout the Canadian city.
A visit to the stadium where Ghana played provided one of the clearest examples. Close by is Sankofa Square, the newly inaugurated public space formerly known as Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto.
The square was officially opened by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, shortly before Ghana’s opening match against Panama. More than 5,000 people, including Canadian dignitaries, tourists, members of the Ghanaian diaspora, business leaders and football supporters, attended the ceremony, according to people who were there.
The event was described as a celebration of Ghanaian heritage, with Otumfuo and an entourage that included some Ashanti chiefs seated in state to receive guests.
“Sankofa” is a Twi word associated with returning to one’s roots. The decision to give the square that name, with the approval of Toronto’s city authorities, was seen as a fitting tribute to Ghanaian identity. The Asantehene’s decision to travel to Toronto to inaugurate the renamed square added further significance to the occasion.
Ghanaian culture is also strongly represented in the city’s food scene. At a local Toronto eatery, the name Diehuo was used for Tuo Zaafi, a term unfamiliar to a visitor who had lived most of his life in Accra.
The menu included fried yam with tilapia and fresh pepper, waakye with garri and macaroni, banku and okro stew, fufu, jollof rice and kokonte. Kokonte was described as a particular favourite among customers. There was also said to be a vendor in the area selling Hausa koko with its traditional accompaniments.
A drive around Toronto’s market shops revealed names familiar to anyone from Ghana, including New Asafo market, Kantamanto market, Makola, Central market and Adepa market.
Twi appeared to be the main language used for conversations and transactions in those markets. The goods on sale included fresh yams from Ghana, koobi, cocoyam, apem, Zomi, red oil, smoked fish and other food products commonly found at Kaneshie market in Accra.
One shop had received a delivery of fresh apem and koobi from Ghana on the morning of the visit.
The connection was equally visible in religious life. At the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church of Toronto, a Sunday service featured Presbyterian hymns projected in Twi and Ga. The worship songs and dancing closely resembled those familiar in Ghana, while many members of the congregation wore Ghanaian clothing in modern styles.
After the service, the church book stall offered another link with home. Among the items on display were copies of “The Ghanaian News”, a 56-page newspaper carrying about 60 per cent Ghana-related news and the remainder focused on Toronto, alongside extensive advertising.
The publication highlighted the range of Ghanaian professional services operating in the Toronto area, including healthcare, legal assistance, finance and tax, insurance, shipping and cargo, and travel and tours. Old student reunions were also advertised, as were herbal Bitters made from multiple herbs and promoted, as they are in Ghana, as treatments for conditions ranging from low sperm count and fibroid to diabetes, hypertension and infertility.
The visit left the impression of a well-established Ghanaian settlement. Toronto’s roads, schools, healthcare provision, cleanliness, environmental awareness and sense of responsibility distinguish it from Ghana.
In many other respects, however, the city carries the sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of Ghana. Since the historic opening of Sankofa Square, the country’s presence in downtown Toronto appears set to endure, with its “sweet scents” continuing to linger across the cosmopolitan city.
