Bishop of Yamoussoukro urges Ghanaian youth pilgrims to be witnesses of hope and integrity

The Catholic Bishop of Yamoussoukro, Most Rev. Joseph Kakou Aka, has called on young Catholic pilgrims from Ghana to become courageous witnesses of Christ and agents of integrity, peace and justice in their country.

He made the call during an address to over 100 Ghanaian youth pilgrims at the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. The youth, drawn from the Archdiocese of Accra and the dioceses of Koforidua, Ho, and Keta-Akatsi, were on pilgrimage as part of a Youth Summit held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: A Year of Discipleship”, inspired by Romans 5:5.

Bishop Aka described the pilgrimage as a travel that has vocation and spiritual implications. “You are gathered here, not as mere travellers, but as pilgrims, bearers of a greater desire: that of God,” he said.

He reminded the pilgrims that the Christian life is one of direction and purpose, with Christ as the horizon. “Your pilgrimage is a living testimony,” the bishop stated. “It tells the world that you are not resigned. You still believe and you dare to hope.”

Quoting Hebrews 6:19, the bishop stressed that hope is “an anchor for the soul, sure and firm,” and encouraged the youth to root themselves in prayer, silence, and service. “It will keep you standing in the battles of your life; it will give you the strength to choose truth rather than compromise, holiness rather than mediocrity.”

On discipleship, the bishop described it as “a school of trust, faithfulness and self-giving.” He urged the youth to accept the demands of Christian life with humility and commitment, growing in holiness through the sacraments and community life.

“Christ wants to work through you to lift up hearts, to console the wounded, to build a civilisation of peace and justice,” he added. “Ghana needs young people who reject corruption, violence and indifference.”

The pilgrims were introduced by Rev. Fr. Alphonse Bulloro, Youth Chaplain of the Accra Archdiocese. He thanked the bishop for his warm welcome and spiritual support. In return, youth leaders from Accra expressed appreciation on behalf of the entire Ghanaian delegation.

The stop at the Basilica was part of a five-day pilgrimage to Ivory Coast, which included cultural exchanges, visits to sacred sites, Masses, and reflections on discipleship.