For about five days now, the youth of West Africa have gathered at Achimota Senior High school, Accra for a spiritual exercise. The programme started on September 7 and ended on September 11 2026. On the fifth day of the World Youth Days (September 11, 2026), organizers introduced a unique and rare initiative: small-group discussions where young participants could interact directly with Bishops to share their takeaways from the programme.
One group was led by Most Rev. Peter Atuahene, Bishop of the Goaso Diocese in Ghana. The session was rich and engaging, giving participants an open floor to share what they were taking home from the event.
Overcoming Challenges and Appreciating Variety
A youth leader in the group expressed appreciation for the overall organization, noting that the experience taught him valuable lessons in event management for his home parish. He honestly recalled that the arrival day was rocky, marked by logistical issues regarding accommodation, mattresses, and basic supplies like buckets. However, he commended the leaders for addressing these problems courageously, which quickly turned the atmosphere around and allowed everyone to participate fully in subsequent activities.
He also praised the program’s diversity, particularly the balance between spiritual liturgy and engaging entertainment.
Personal Growth, Marriage, and Relationship Dynamics
Another participant highlighted personal growth, sharing that he used to struggle with public speaking. Participating in the event gave him the confidence to stand up and speak during the session. Reflecting on a homily from the previous day, he recalled the parish priest urging everyone to “Take courage, Catholic youth”—the central theme of the event.
This discussion naturally led into a lively, heated topic: why Catholic men often do not marry Catholic women.
Both sides exchanged perspective and debate
The Men’s Perspective
Some male participants noted that local Ghanaian women can be unresponsive when approached, contrasting this with foreign female attendees at the event who were much more open to conversation.
The Women’s Perspective & Concerns
Concerns were raised regarding heavy drinking habits among some Catholic men, particularly those from northern Ghana.
Addressing these points, Bishop Atuahene strongly advised the young men to curb excessive drinking, step up as responsible partners, and pursue Catholic women. Sharing his experience as a Bishop, he noted that when non-Catholic men marry Catholic women, special permission is required, and often these women end up leaving the Catholic faith for their husbands’ churches. He urged young Catholic men to marry within the Church so families can remain united in their faith.
Nurturing Talent and Embracing Innovation
During the open forum, another participant emphasized that young people possess diverse talents and called for more opportunities within the Church to showcase and utilize these skills.
In a separate session led by the Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer Buckle reminded the youth to be innovative and adaptable. Citing a real-time example from that morning, he explained how rainy weather and unavailable classrooms threatened to disrupt the schedules.
By quickly pivoting and hosting groups under outdoor tents, the session was a success. He encouraged the youth never to underestimate any opportunity, no matter how small or challenging, as every situation offers room for creative problem-solving.
Conclusion
Giving young people a direct platform to interact with their Bishops proved to be both effective and fruitful. Since youth rarely get the chance to speak openly with Church leadership without feeling intimidated, this session allowed participants to express themselves freely, build confidence, and deepen their engagement with the Church
By Sr. Veronica Ferkaa, SVI
(Catholic Sister Communicators Network Ghana CASCON-GH)
