West African Catholic Youth Days in Ghana

The 2026 West African Catholic Youth Days (JOAJ) commenced on September 7 in Accra, Ghana, bringing together participants from 16 West African nations. The five-day event, organized by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA), focuses on the theme, ‘Be encouraged: West African Catholic Youth, agents and actors of peace and hope for West Africa.’

During the opening ceremonies, leaders addressed delegates on critical social and spiritual issues. Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, urged young people to act as responsible digital citizens to combat misinformation and ethnic tensions spread via social media. Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, spoke on the sanctity of life, challenging youth to reject abortion and support women in crisis pregnancies.

In a video message, Pope Leo XIV addressed the attendees, urging them to be ‘builders of bridges between peoples, cultures and religions.’ He encouraged the youth to remain hopeful despite regional challenges including insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and irregular migration, stating that they are not a ‘sacrificed generation’ but are the ‘today’ of the Church and God. He further emphasized the importance of inclusion, noting that walking together requires ensuring that no one is marginalized, isolated, or excluded from society.

The program continues through September 11, incorporating pilgrimages, catechesis, and cultural activities to empower youth to address climate change, leadership, peacebuilding, and the fight against terrorism and conflict.