First-ever West African Youth Day Ends With Call on Young People to Be “actors of hope and agents of peace”

In brief

Catholic youth from across West Africa gathered in Accra, Ghana, for the first West African Youth Day, which concluded on September 11. During the closing Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Accra Archdiocese, Archbishop Julien Kaboré, the Apostolic Nuncio in Ghana, urged young people to reject violence, hatred, and manipulation.

Archbishop Kaboré told the participants to act as builders of peace and agents of hope. He noted that the gathering brought together young people from different dioceses, cultures, and languages who share a common identity as West Africans. He stated that the future of the 16 countries in the region depends on how young people use their energy and talents for the common good.

The event, held from September 7 to 11, centered on the theme of encouraging Catholic youth to take courage despite the fears and uncertainties facing their generation. Archbishop Kaboré reminded the attendees that Christ is with them and encouraged them to embrace their responsibility to the region.