This August, twelve Black youth from Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS) will take part in the Freedom Walk 2025—an unforgettable journey to Ghana focused on cultural heritage, personal reflection, and empowerment. Accompanied by Black CCAS chaperones, the group will immerse themselves in the country’s rich history and traditions while exploring their ancestral roots. A special thank you to the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation for supporting our youth financially in this exploration of culture and identity.
The journey begins in Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, where the youth will be welcomed with traditional hospitality and introduced to Ghanaian art, music, and historic sites including the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Black Star Square, and Ussher Fort. The trip then continues to Cape Coast, where visits to the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles—two powerful reminders of the transatlantic slave trade—will offer a deeply moving and educational experience.
In addition to historical tours, the youth will stop at the Assin Manso Slave River, participate in local village visits, and witness cultural performances, creating space for reflection, dialogue, and connection to their heritage.
The group will then travel to Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, where they’ll visit the Manhyia Palace Museum and explore traditional artisan villages known for crafts such as Kente weaving and wood carving. The trip concludes in Ghana’s Eastern Region with nature excursions, bead-making workshops, and time for personal reflection before returning to Accra.
Freedom Walk is more than a cultural trip—it’s a journey of identity, healing, and empowerment. By walking the path of their ancestors, these youth will return home with a deeper sense of pride, purpose, and a renewed understanding of their place in the world.
