The Archdiocese of Accra has launched a series of activities in anticipation of the 2025 Archdiocesan World Youth Day (WYD) celebrations.
Themed “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me,” (John 15:27) the celebration is expected to be held at Kordiabe in the Ashaiman Deanery from November 21-22, 2025.
At the launch held on November 24 at the Catholic Youth Formation Centre, Mr. Augustine Dagbey, Chairman of the Accra Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Council (AADCYC), outlined the key events and initiatives lined up for the lead-up to the local version of WYD in Accra.
The first major event began with the tour of the WYD Cross and the Perpetual Help Icon, two important symbols of the upcoming World Youth Day.
The sacred emblems will make their way around the eight deaneries of the Archdiocese, with the Osu Deanery being the first to receive them.
The tour will kick off at St. Maurice, La, the first parish to welcome the symbols. The objective of this tour is to build spiritual anticipation and gather the faithful, particularly youth groups, for prayer and reflection.
The WYD Cross and Perpetual Help Icon will be placed in visible areas of devotion across parishes, creating awareness about the global WYD celebration and raising funds for the 2025 WYD in Accra, the WYD RECOWA Version 2026, and WYD Seoul, South Korea 2027.
In addition to the sacred tour, Mr. Dagbey noted two youth-centered challenges designed to engage and inspire young Catholics in the Archdiocese.
The first is the WYD logo challenge, open to all youth under 35 with graphic design skills. The logo, which should reflect the theme “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” (John 15:27), must incorporate the abbreviation WYD, the year 2025 or the number 25, and symbolize the Cross or Crucifix along with elements reflecting Mother Mary.
The top three winners will be awarded during the grand closing of WYD 2025, following the unveiling of the logo on Palm Sunday 2025.
The second challenge is the WYD anthem challenge, which invites youth music ministries and choirs to create an anthem inspired by the same theme.
The lyrics should reference key figures such as Jesus Christ (Savior, Lord, Prince of Peace), Mother Mary, and highlight themes of unity and faith within the Accra Archdiocese and the youth community. The winning anthem will be performed at the WYD 2025 closing ceremony, following its debut during the Palm Sunday 2025 celebrations.
