Accra, 03 October, 2025 / 11:43 PM
The Central Planning Committee (CPC) for the inaugural West African Youth Day, set for Ghana in 2026, has launched a call for logo submissions in view of selecting the official emblem of the event.
In a Friday, October 3 statement, members of the Ghana National Catholic Youth Council (GHANCYC) give guidance on the logo of the event that is to gather youths drawn from the 16 countries of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA).
“Ghana has been given the honor of hosting the maiden edition of the West Africa Youth Days in 2026 under RECOWA,” GHANCYC members say in the statement addressed to all Catholic Youth in West Africa.
As part of preparations, they add, “the Central Planning Committee (CPC) is pleased to announce an open call to all creative and talented Catholic youth across West Africa to design a logo that will serve as the official symbol of the event.”
GHANCYC members disclose that “The winning logo will become the central visual identity of the celebration, appearing on all official documents, communication materials, souvenirs, and digital platforms associated with West Africa Youth Days.”
They further disclose that the selected logo will be officially unveiled during the launch of the event scheduled for November 2025 in Accra, Ghana.
On the guidelines for the logo, GHANCYC members emphasize that it must reflect the theme of the West Africa Youth Days 2026, which they disclose as, “Take Courage: Catholic Youth as actors and agents of Peace and Hope in West Africa.”
They also want the logo design to capture “the spiritual, cultural, and youthful dynamism of the celebration, while promoting unity, diversity, and faith among young Catholics across West Africa.”
Designers are also “encouraged to incorporate symbols of Catholic identity (e.g., cross, Eucharist, dove), elements of West African heritage (e.g., colors, motifs, cultural symbols), and imagery of youthful vibrancy and hope.”
GHANCYC members also direct that “a short explanation (maximum 200 words) must accompany each submission, clearly outlining the meaning of the design, including the choice of colors, symbols, and shapes used.”
By entering the competition, GHANCYC members say that “participants agree that the winning logo becomes the property of the Regional Coordination of Catholic Youth in West Africa (RECCYWA), with full rights to use, reproduce, and adapt the design for official purposes.”
Warning against infringement on any existing copyright or trademark, they say that “CPC reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the winning design for purposes of standardization and application across different platforms.”
According to a September 28 report following an interview with the General Secretary of GHANCYC, the event seeks to unite young people from across the sub-region in a transformative celebration of faith, leadership, culture, and unity.
Gerald Ekow Woode said there are ongoing steps and initiatives with Bishops and the government to deliver a memorable, spirit-filled, and impactful experience for all participants.
“An LOC has been formed, headed by the Episcopal Bishop in charge of Youth with support from Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Anokye, Archbishop of Kumasi. The Government of the Republic has given us the clearance to also host the event. Strategic meetings are currently on going,” Mr. Woode has been quoted as saying in the report.
The event, he said, will be “expecting all countries under the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa to participate”. He is further said to have also encouraged the youth to expect the event to be transformative, filled with cultural exchange, faith based, educative and entertaining.
The report further says that the event “aims to foster collaboration among youth, provide a platform for dialogue and exchange, and enhance their mission and witness within the Church and society.”
The Council, together with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), has also called on stakeholders, partners, and the faithful including corporate Ghana, the government, civil societies, Dicasteries, and other faith-based organizations to join in prayer, support, and active participation towards the preparation for this event in the life of the Church and the youth of West Africa, the report indicates.
The Best Catholic News - straight to your inbox
Sign up for our free ACI Africa newsletter.
Our mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA