Aside the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, three of Ghana’s top acts, Shatta Wale, Kofi Kinaata, and Stonebwoy have been selected to carry the Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is a tradition that celebrates, connects, and excites communities from across the Commonwealth during the build-up to the Games.
Privileged participants are to carry the Queen’s message placed inside the baton visiting all 72 Commonwealth countries. The Queen’s Baton Relay would complete the journey at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022. The final Baton bearer would pass the Baton back to The Queen at the opening ceremony of the games.
The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth would then be removed from the Baton and read aloud, marking the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Relay was launched on October 7, 2021, which will then embark on a 294-day adventure across Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
The Queen’s Baton Relay has successfully touched down in Ghana ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. More than 7,500 baton bearers will be trusted to carry the baton during the Relay, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In a Tweet, the Ghana Olympics Committee noted that the Baton team has successfully arrived in Ghana and will stay from 26th – 28th October 2021.
It further disclosed that the Baton will travel across the principal streets of Accra, Tema, and Kumasi. Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo will first receive it in a short ceremony.
Mr. Ben Nunoo-Mensah, the President of the Commonwealth Games Association of Ghana (CGA-Ghana) said: “It is fantastic to have the Baton arrive in Ghana. Its arrival signifies an exciting moment in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and I’m really looking forward to the various visits and activities during its time here”.
Madam Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner to Ghana said: “It is a tremendous honor and a genuine pleasure to welcome Her Majesty the Queen’s Baton in Ghana after arriving from our friends in Sierra Leone.
“The Baton is making an incredible journey, visiting 72 Commonwealth nations and territories ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in Birmingham next summer.
“Our partners at Ghana’s Commonwealth Games Association have planned an amazing few days for the Baton Team, which will not only represent a celebration of sport and the coming Games but will also show Ghana at its very best. We look forward to welcoming Team Ghana and Teams from across the Commonwealth to Birmingham to the Games next year”.
Madam Harriet Thompson
Meanwhile, Shatta Wale who has been shortlisted to carry the Queen’s baton has just been granted bail after spending one week of remand time at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison. He is pleading not guilty to the charge of publication of false news that caused fear and panic.
His next court appearance is slated for Thursday, November 9, 2021. Since he has been granted bail, it could be possible that he will be carrying the Queen’s baton.
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