Youth Days opened with joy and hope in Accra

After months of preparation, national delegations arrived in Accra the previous day, where they were welcomed by Ghanaian youth. The opening activities included the reception of the Cross and the Icon of the Virgin Mary, followed by Eucharistic adoration at Achimota School.

A joyful opening Mass

The main activities began on the morning of September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a solemn Mass presided over by Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Five bishops and more than 200 priests concelebrated the Mass, attended by a large number of young people, religious sisters and brothers.

In his homily, Bishop Gyamfi encouraged the young participants to embrace the courage and prophetic boldness required of every Christian.

Quoting the message of Our Lady of Fatima, he told them: “Do not be afraid; take courage.”

Using the Virgin Mary as an example, he also reminded the young people of the value and dignity of human life.

“In life, nothing happens by chance,” he said.

He urged the participants to respect and protect life, adding: “Every child conceived has a right to a birthday; say no to abortion; say yes to birthdays.”

At the end of the Mass, Bishop Gyamfi officially declared the first West African Youth Days open.

Culture, faith and fraternity

The second part of the morning featured the official opening ceremony, with cultural performances, speeches and presentations.

Among those present were Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Bishop Julien Kabore, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, some fifteen bishops from across the region, representatives of the Holy See, religious men and women, and thousands of young participants.

Colorful cultural performances reflected the diversity of West Africa and set the tone for four days of prayer, formation, dialogue and fraternity.

Speakers included Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi; Bishop Alexis Touably Youlo, President of CERAO, the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa; Bishop Julien Kabore; and Ghana’s Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

They expressed their joy at the gathering and encouraged young people to play an active role in the development of West Africa and the African continent.

Pope Leo XIV: “The Church trusts you”

One of the highlights of the ceremony was a video message from Pope Leo XIV, who offered words of encouragement to the young participants.

“Dear young people, you are not a sacrificed generation, as many may think,” the Pope said.

He reminded them that they are “God’s today” and “the Church’s today.”

“You are rich in qualities, energy, dreams and hope. Your youth is an invaluable treasure, not only for yourselves but also for others, for the Church and for the world.”

The Pope also expressed his confidence in the young people: “Dear young people, I am counting on you and I trust you. The Church trusts you.”

Calling them to be witnesses in a world marked by war and conflict, he added: “Be witnesses of love, justice and peace. Do not sacrifice your precious youth on the altar of artificial pleasures and superficiality.”

“Our continent needs you”

In another video message, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, President of SECAM, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, described the gathering as a historic event.

“Our continent needs you,” he told the young participants.

His message reinforced the wider continental significance of the event and the important role young Christians can play in shaping Africa’s future.

A place of encounter and renewal

The first West African Youth Days are expected to provide a unique space for encounter, prayer, formation and exchange among young people from across the region until September 11.

According to Larrios Agossé, communications officer for the regional youth office, the organizers hope that every participant will leave the gathering strengthened in faith and renewed in their commitment to serve the Church, West Africa and the African continent.

Fr. Canisius Metin, MCCJ