What is the West Africa Youth Days and which nations are involved?

 

ACCRA 2026: Logo of the West African Youth Days 

Church

• Africa
• young people
• faith
• Ghana
• Ivory Coast
• Mali
• Guinea
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Liberia
• Nigeria
• Niger
• Togo
• Burkina Faso
• Benin

West African Youth Days: Five days to foster peace and hope

The 2026 West African Youth Days (JOAJ) open on September 7, in Accra, Ghana. Over the following four days, young Catholics from 16 West African countries will come together around the theme: “Take courage: young Catholics, agents and promoters of peace and hope in West Africa.”

By Moriba Camara, S.J.

The 2026 West African Youth Days (JOAJ) open this Monday, September 7, in Accra, Ghana. Over the following four days, young Catholics from 16 West African countries will join together around the theme: “Take courage: young Catholics, actors and agents of peace and hope in West Africa.”

The first day is dedicated to welcoming the delegations and discovering Ghanaian culture. It will conclude with a welcome ceremony, followed by Eucharistic adoration with the Rosary and meditation.

On Tuesday, September 8, the young people will explore the topics of faith and culture, guided by the theme: “Rooted in faith, courageous in witness.” After the opening Mass, attention will turn to the subject of “Digital evangelization: Faith in the news feed – Using social media for mission” during a workshop. A cultural evening will then give the various delegations an opportunity to share the music, dances and artistic expressions of their respective countries.

Young people, agents of peace

The third day, Wednesday, September 9, will focus on leadership and social engagement under the theme “Strengthened for mission.” Catecheses with the bishops and the day's workshops will address, among other topics, the role of young people in “social change in West Africa,” climate justice, peacebuilding, and the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and conflicts in the African subregion.

On Thursday, September 10, participants will spend a day focused on pilgrimage and solidarity under the theme, “Walking together in faith and service.” They will learn more about missionary vocations and take part in a Marian day at a parish in Accra, including a catechesis on Mary, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Mary will be presented as “Queen of Peace and a model disciple for young people.”

On Friday, September 11, the young people will be sent forth on mission under the theme “Go and help hope grow.” A catechesis with the bishops will prepare them to become “actors and agents of peace,” before the solemn closing Mass presided over by Archbishop Julien Kaboré, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana.

Finally, on the morning of Saturday, September 12, the young people will return to their respective countries, carrying with them a mission of peace, hope and reconciliation.

Pope Leo XIV addresses the West Africa Youth Days

 

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• video message
• Africa
• bishops' conference
• young people

Pope to West African youth: Bear witness to peace, love amid conflicts

Pope Leo XIV encourages young people in West Africa in their journey of faith, and invites them to live as a message of love, justice, and peace in our world beset by war and conflict.

By Devin Watkins

Pope Leo XIV sent a video message in English and French to thousands of young people gathered in Accra, Ghana, for the first-ever West Africa Youth Days.

The event takes place on September 7-12 under the theme “Take courage: young Catholics, agents and promoters of peace and hope in West Africa,” and was organized by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA).

In his message, the Pope praised the Bishops of the 16 countries for placing young people at the heart of their pastoral priorities.

“I am convinced that these powerful moments spent together will help you to grow in faith and become ever more deeply enriched by values such as encounter and openness to others,” he said.

Pope Leo noted that young people endure the weight of doubt, uncertainty, and insecurity, threatening to upset their plans for the future.

“At a time when so many crises seem to darken your horizon,” he said, “I wish to encourage you to move forward without losing hope.”

Despite their difficulties, the Pope told young West Africans that they do not belong to a “sacrificed generation,” but are rather the “today of God, the today of the Church.”

Young people, he said, citing Pope Benedict XVI, are rich in talents, energy, dreams, and hopes, noting that their youth is itself a treasure for the Church and the world.

Pope Leo invited young people to face the challenge of walking together to bring about positive change to their societies.

“Walking together means ensuring that no one is marginalized, isolated, excluded, or rejected,” he said. “Be builders of bridges between peoples, cultures, and religions.”

Just as Jesus recognized the presence of God in people who live on the margins of society, young people must follow His example and include everyone in their journey, he said.

The Pope told the young people gathered in Accra that the Church trusts them and relies on their good-will.

“Through your words and actions, send a powerful message to our world, which is beset by wars and conflicts of every kind,” he said. “Be witnesses of love, justice, and peace.”

Rather than sacrificing their “precious youth on the altar of artificial pleasures and superficiality,” he urged them to stop doomscrolling and go beyond themselves to fulfill their deepest desires.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his video message to the young people of West Africa by entrusting them to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“May she intercede with her Son, Jesus Christ, for the integral human development of your dear nations.”