Opening Mass of West Africa Youth Days Celebrated in Accra
ACCRA, GHANA — 8 September 2026: The West Africa Youth Days officially opened in Accra with a solemn and colourful Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishops, Bishops, priests, religious and thousands of young pilgrims gathered from across the West African region.
The Opening Mass, held on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was led by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, as the main celebrant.
The celebration brought together young Catholics for a moment of prayer, fellowship and reflection as the West Africa Youth Days began under the theme:
“Take Courage: Catholic Youth as Actors and Agents of Hope and Peace in West Africa.”
Bishop Gyamfi Calls on Youth to Say No to Abortion
In his homily, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi used the celebration of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary to reflect on the dignity and value of every human life.
He called on young people and Christian families to reject abortion and uphold the sanctity of human life, stressing that every child has a purpose and deserves the opportunity to experience life.
According to the Bishop, the celebration of Mary’s birthday should remind Christians that every life has a story worth celebrating.
He challenged the language and attitudes surrounding unwanted pregnancies, particularly within Christian families, and encouraged communities to respond to pregnancies with care, responsibility and support rather than resorting to abortion.
“Every Pregnancy Is Not by Chance”
Bishop Gyamfi emphasized that human life should not be viewed merely through circumstances or challenges but through the lens of God’s purpose and providence.
He stressed that every pregnancy carries the possibility of a life with a God-given purpose and urged Christians to become advocates for the protection of life.
His message also called attention to the ongoing discussions around access to abortion in the region, encouraging young Catholics to engage these issues with faith, knowledge, compassion and courage.
Mary’s Birth: A Message of Hope
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary provided a significant spiritual backdrop for the opening of the youth gathering.
For the Catholic Church, Mary’s birth is connected to God’s plan of salvation, eventually leading to her role as the mother of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Gyamfi encouraged the young people gathered in Accra to look to Mary’s life as an example of faith, courage, obedience and hope.
Her story, he noted, demonstrates that God can work through ordinary human lives to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
Catholic Youth Called to Be Agents of Hope and Peace
The Bishop’s message also connected directly with the central theme of the West Africa Youth Days.
At a time when young people across West Africa face challenges including unemployment, social pressures, violence, misinformation and uncertainty about the future, the Church is calling on them not merely to be spectators but to become actors and agents of hope and peace.
The youth were encouraged to take courage, remain rooted in Christ and contribute positively to their communities and societies.
The opening Mass therefore became more than the beginning of a regional youth gathering. It was a spiritual invitation for young Catholics to examine their responsibility toward life, faith, peace and the future of West Africa.
A Historic Gathering
As pilgrims gathered from different countries and Catholic communities across West Africa, the celebration reflected the unity and diversity of the Catholic youth movement in the region.
Bishop Gyamfi described the moment as historic and encouraged the young people to recognize the importance of their participation.
The opening celebration concluded with a renewed call for young Catholics to draw inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary and become courageous witnesses to the Gospel.
As West Africa Youth Days continues, the message from the opening Mass remains clear:
Every life has value. Every young person has a role to play. And every generation has a responsibility to build a more peaceful and hopeful West Africa.
By Emmanuel Boniface Arthur l Pax Boniface
Online Journalist | Digital Missionary | Catholic Influencer | Public Relations Officer
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