Nuncio to West African Youth at Achimota: “Do Not Leave Ghana Without Making New Friends, But Choose Friends Carefully”
By Dominic Duut.
Achimota – Accra, September 8, 2026_
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Julien Kaboré, has charged thousands of young Catholics gathered for the maiden West Africa Youth Days (WAYD) not to leave Ghana without forging lasting bonds of friendship rooted in virtue and faith.
Archbishop Kaboré was addressing delegates on Monday at Achimota School in Accra, host grounds for the historic gathering of nearly 4,000 young people from across the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA).
In a passionate message to the youth, the Representative of the Holy Father stressed that authentic friendship is central to the Christian journey and to building peace in West Africa.
“Do not leave Ghana without making new friends without having created bonds. And it is the same for the young Ghanaians: do not let them leave Ghana without you also making new friends,” the Nuncio said.
He however cautioned the young pilgrims to be discerning in their friendships.
“But I would say, choose your friends carefully as well. I presume that all those who are here are very good people, but you must choose your friends well,” he told the cheering crowd.
Archbishop Kaboré outlined what true Catholic friendship should look like, urging the youth to seek companions who lead them to God.
“Seek friends of virtue,” he said.
“Friends who help you become better. Friends who strengthen your faith. Friends who have the courage to tell you the truth. Friends who encourage you when you lose heart. Friends who help you pick yourself up when you fall. Friends who bring you closer to God.”
The first-ever West Africa Youth Days is being held from September 7 to 11, 2026, under the theme: “Take courage, young Catholics, actors of peace and hope in West Africa.”
The event, hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, brings together 100 youth delegates from each RECOWA member country for catechesis, workshops on leadership, climate justice, peacebuilding, cultural exchange, pilgrimage and missionary formation.
According to Vatican News, Archbishop Kaboré is expected to preside over the solemn closing Mass on Friday, September 11, where the youth will be sent forth as missionaries of peace, hope and reconciliation in their respective countries.
Credit:Immaculate Affoakwa
