Archbishop Julien Kaboré
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Julien Kaboré, has urged young people in West Africa to remain courageous in the face of the challenges confronting their generation and use their talents to promote peace and hope.
He made the call at the climax of the maiden West African Youth Day (WAYD), held on September 11, 2026, at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra.
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Kaboré encouraged Catholic youth across the sub-region not to be overwhelmed by difficulties, assuring them of Christ’s presence.
“Take courage. Take courage, Catholic youth in West Africa, actors and agents of peace and hope. Do not be afraid because Christ is with you,” he said.
The Archbishop noted that West Africa’s large youth population placed a significant responsibility on young people to contribute positively to the development of their communities and countries.
He, however, acknowledged that the youth faced several challenges, including unemployment, uncertainty about the future, migration pressures, the pursuit of quick wealth and the growing influence of social media.
He cautioned the youth against allowing their frustrations, ethnic identities, religious affiliations and political convictions to be exploited to create divisions among them.
“Do not allow anyone to exploit your frustrations, your ethnic identity, your religion, your political convictions, just to stand up against each other,” he warned.
Archbishop Kaboré further urged the youth to reject violence, corruption, hatred, discrimination and superstition, saying such practices undermined human dignity and threatened peaceful coexistence.
“Violence, corruption, hatred, discrimination, superstition, etc. Everything that can harm human dignity. Reject all of this. The West needs you. The Church needs you. And each country needs you,” he said.
He also warned against the recruitment and manipulation of young people into violent activities, urging them not to allow themselves to become instruments of hatred.
“Dear young people, refuse to become instruments of hatred. Do not allow anyone to put a weapon into your hands and hatred into your heart,” he said.
The Apostolic Nuncio encouraged the youth to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation instead of retaliation and division, stressing that peace could be achieved when individuals chose to end cycles of hatred.
“Peace begins when someone decides to break the chain of hatred,” he said.
Archbishop Kaboré reminded the participants that young people were already an integral part of the Catholic Church and should actively contribute to its mission rather than consider themselves merely future leaders.
“You are not simply the future of the Church; you are the Church today,” he said.
He urged participants to take the lessons and experiences from the youth day back to their communities and translate them into practical action.
“This day is coming to an end. But your mission is just getting started,” he said.
On technology, Archbishop Kaboré urged the youth to embrace artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving their freedom, conscience and capacity for independent thought.
“Use artificial intelligence, but without ever giving up our freedom, our consciousness, our ability to think, to love and above all to meet God,” he said.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong