The Queen’s Baton Relay, a much loved tradition, which offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase each nation and territory in the Commonwealth, would be in Ghana from the 3rd to the 5th of January, 2014.
The Baton relay, which is currently travelling through Commonwealth Countries, is a prelude to the Commonwealth Games, scheduled from 23 July to 3 August 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Officially launching the event, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Joseph Yammin stated that Government was fully committed to supporting the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) to participate fully and win medals for the nation.
He expressed his confidence in some of the sporting disciplines ensuring Ghana’s highest medal haul at the games, and made mention of the gains chalked so far by Badminton, Weightlifting and Swimming, among others.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Peter Jones said that the Commonwealth Games was an opportunity to build a lasting legacy of trade, prosperity and values, adding that “he was delighted that Ghana, a proud member of the Commonwealth, with a proud sporting history, would be there too”.
The President of the GOC, Professor Francis Dodoo reiterated the determination of his outfit to work in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority and other stakeholders to put forth Ghana’s best sportspersons to ensure a better performance at the Games.
The Queen’s Baton is expected to arrive in the country on the evening of 3rd January, 2014, where a brief welcome ceremony would be held at the airport.
On the 4th of January, it would be officially received in Ghana by the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama at the Flagstaff House, after which the relay continues through the principal streets of Accra by some prominent personalities.
On the 5th of January, the Baton arrives in Kumasi to be received by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, after which the relay passes through some streets in Kumasi, before being brought back to Accra, for onward travel to the next country.
Source: MOYS P R Dept (Larry George Botchway)
Pictures (Clement Amissah)