Feb 25- 2026
Ottawa, 23 February 2026 — As part of activities marking the 30th anniversary celebration of Black History Month, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and the High Commissioner of Ghana to Canada, H.E. Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, participated in the screenings of “The Eyes of Ghana” on Thursday, 19 February, and Saturday, 21 February 2026, at the Toronto Pan Afrikan Film Festival (TPAFF). The event provided an opportunity to reflect on Ghana’s independence journey and the enduring legacy of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose leadership continues to influence Pan-African thought and global discussions on liberation and identity. Their presence underscored Ghana’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and the preservation of its historical memory.
On Thursday, 19 February, the High Commissioner, accompanied by officials from the Mission in Ottawa and the Consulate-General in Toronto, attended the opening screening. Their participation signaled Ghana’s support for efforts to safeguard African historical archives and promote accurate accounts of the continent’s liberation movements, while strengthening the Mission’s engagement with cultural institutions and diaspora partners in Canada.
On Saturday, 21 February 2026, the Festival welcomed Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP) as Special Guest of Honour for the second screening. Her participation reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to cultural preservation, the creative arts, and the global visibility of Ghanaian stories.
“The Eyes of Ghana” documents Ghana’s early independence era through the work of Chris Hesse, the veteran cinematographer who served as the personal cameraman to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. His archive of over 1,300 film reels, captures defining national moments and developments across Africa during a period of significant change. Now in his 90s, Mr. Hesse continues to work to preserve and return these materials from the United Kingdom to Ghana for future generations.
The documentary was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ben Proudfoot and executive produced by former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama. It was produced by Nana Adwoa Frimpong, a Ghanaian creative professional whose leadership has brought renewed attention to this important historical record.
The screenings at Todmorden Mills Museum in Toronto drew a diverse audience, including members of Toronto’s African and Caribbean communities, cultural leaders, academics, students, Toronto Back Farmers and young creatives. The strong turnout reflects the continued relevance of Ghana’s contributions to Pan-African history and the importance of protecting African archives.
The Minister and the High Commissioner commended the producer, Nana Adwoa Frimpong, for her dedicated work in bringing the documentary to international audiences, and acknowledged the executive producers, President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama, for their support in amplifying African stories. They also expressed appreciation to the festival organizers and the City of Toronto for providing a meaningful platform during Black History Month to honour Ghana’s historical legacy and celebrate the work of Ghanaian storytellers.
The Minister invited the diaspora to visit Ghana and reconnect with their roots. She encouraged them to experience the country firsthand, particularly its history, culture, food, music, dance and sunshine. She reminded them that Ghana sits closest to the centre of the world and that returning home carries both cultural and ancestral meaning.
The film is scheduled to be screened in Ghana in April 2026, a development the Minister welcomed, noting that its showing at home will allow audiences to reconnect with their roots and engage with the story within its true cultural and historical setting.
The event also underscored the need to continue filming and documenting our stories through African lenses, so that we can build an accurate historical record and ensure future generations have a clear understanding of our past.