West Africa Youth Days Opens at the Achimota School in Accra

On September 8, 2026, Achimota School in Accra was filled with enthusiasm, joy, music, and the rich cultural colours of West Africa as the maiden West Africa Youth Day (WAYD) officially opened under the theme, “Take Courage: Catholic Youth as Actors and Agents of Peace and Hope in West Africa.”

The historic gathering, organised by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA/CERAO) in collaboration with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), brought together more than four thousand young Catholics from 16 countries across the sub-region for prayer, formation, friendship and cultural exchange.

Welcoming the participants, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, expressed Ghana’s joy and honour at hosting the historic gathering. On behalf of the bishops, priests, religious and the entire Catholic faithful in Ghana, he warmly welcomed the young people to the country and urged them to see the five days as a special opportunity for prayer, formation and genuine friendship.

He encouraged the participants to return to their various countries as ambassadors of peace, carrying with them the lessons, friendships and renewed faith gained in Accra. He noted that the gathering came at a time when West Africa was confronted with challenges including insecurity, unemployment and irregular migration, making the call for courageous young Catholics committed to peace and hope particularly important.

The President of RECOWA/CERAO, Most Rev. Alexis Touably Youlo, described WAYD as the fulfilment of a long-held dream of providing Catholic youth of West Africa with a common platform to meet, pray and share their experiences. He said the gathering was not simply a celebration but a call to mission in a region facing violence, conflict and social challenges.

He urged the young people to draw their courage from Christ and become artisans of peace and hope in their communities. He reminded them that they were not merely the Church of tomorrow but an active part of the Church today, with an important role to play in transforming West Africa.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, welcomed the young people to Accra and expressed his joy that the Archdiocese was chosen to host the first West Africa Youth Day. He thanked the youth for leaving their homes and travelling long distances to take part in the historic gathering. He assured them that Accra was their home and encouraged them to use the five days to pray, sing, learn and encounter Jesus.

Archbishop Kwofie said the gathering was important because many young people in West Africa were facing challenges such as unemployment, political tensions, insecurity and loss of hope. He therefore called on the youth to be courageous in Christ and to become people who would bring peace and hope to their communities. He also thanked the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, RECOWA, the Nunciature, sponsors, Achimota School and the Local Organising Committee for their support in making the event possible.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Accra Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, urged the young participants to use the gathering to pray deeply, learn sincerely and make friends intentionally. He reminded them that the Church needed their voices, ideas and holiness as they faced challenges such as unemployment, uncertainty and pressure on their faith.

Delivering the keynote address, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Julien Kaboré, gave one of the ceremony’s strongest messages of hope. He urged the youth not to allow fear, uncertainty or the difficulties facing their societies to discourage them.

He reminded them that they were not a sacrificed or lost generation, stressing that the Church, their countries and society needed them today. Referring to the Holy Father’s description of young people as the “today of God,” the Nuncio challenged them to recognise their dignity, responsibility and ability to make a difference now.

The Special Guest of Honour, Vice President of Ghana, H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, commended the Catholic Church for bringing young people from across West Africa together. She described the gathering as an important opportunity to strengthen regional friendship and prepare young people who would become future leaders, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents and servants of their communities.

She encouraged the youth to take courage by rejecting corruption, violence and division and by choosing values that promote peace and responsible citizenship. She challenged them to use their talents and education to contribute meaningfully to the development of their countries rather than allowing fear or difficulties to discourage them.

The Vice President assured the young people that Ghana was pleased to share its peace and hospitality with them and expressed the Government’s continued support for initiatives that empower young people and promote regional unity. She encouraged them to enjoy their stay while building friendships that could strengthen cooperation across West Africa.

The major highlight was a special video message from Pope Leo XIV to the young people for the maiden West Africa Youth Day, encouraging them to take courage and remain strong in their faith. He reminded them that they have an important role to play in the Church and in society. He urged them not to be afraid of the challenges around them but to trust in Christ and allow their faith to guide their lives.

The Holy Father also called on the young people to become builders of peace, unity and hope in West Africa. He encouraged them to reach across differences, respect one another and build bridges instead of divisions. He reminded them that their youth is a gift and a responsibility, and urged them to use their talents to make a positive difference in their families, communities and countries.

The West Africa Youth Days is also providing an opportunity for young Catholics from different countries and cultures to interact, share experiences, and strengthen their bonds of friendship and solidarity.

Story by:

Thelma N.E. Impraim -Holm

(Depsocom Accra)