Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister highlights Ghana’s commitment to diaspora engagement and reparations

Written by; Regina Bless

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson (MP), has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with the African diaspora and promoting cultural identity among people of African descent.

The Deputy Minister made the remarks during the first-anniversary celebration of Sankofa Square in Toronto, Canada, held from August 21 to 23, 2026. He was accompanied by Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, and Ghana’s Consul-General in Toronto, Mr. Peter Kobina Taylor.

In his address, Hon. Quayson explained that the concept of “Sankofa” encourages people to return to their roots, reclaim their history and draw valuable lessons from their heritage. He described Sankofa Square as an important platform for showcasing and celebrating African culture through fashion, music, dance, food and other forms of creative expression.

He highlighted Ghana’s continued efforts to deepen engagement with the diaspora through initiatives such as the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, the Black Star Experience and the Diaspora Summits.

The Deputy Minister also stressed the need to empower young people in the diaspora to understand and appreciate their African heritage, strengthen their cultural identity and play an active role in Africa’s development.

He further called for greater attention to reparatory justice for historical injustices suffered by Africans and people of African descent, particularly the transatlantic trafficking and racialised system of chattel enslavement.

Hon. Quayson urged continued dialogue, advocacy and international cooperation to advance the global reparations agenda, which Ghana has been actively championing.

His participation in the Sankofa Square anniversary underscored Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen cultural, historical and developmental connections between the country and the African diaspora.