King’s Baton Relay in Ghana: Championing Sustainability and Clean Oceans

From 3 to 8 October, Ghana proudly hosted the King’s Baton Relay, as part of a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and a celebration of sport and community. The Baton’s arrival marked a significant step in the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, reaffirming Ghana’s dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and cultural pride.

The official launch took place at Jubilee House in Accra, where the Chief of Staff received the Baton from Commonwealth Sports Ghana President Richard Akpokavie. The ceremony was attended by the British High Commissioner, the Director General of the National Sports Authority, and leaders from the judiciary, security services, and sports organizations. From the Presidency, the Baton travelled through Accra’s streets, accompanied by traditional drumming, dance. The baton also visited the Palace of the Aburihene, Aburi Senior High School, and Adonten Senior High School, before ending at Dodowa. The Relay also included visits to Osu Manhean Basic School, Accra High School, and the Air Force Officers’ Mess at Burma Camps. These activities reinforced the connection between sport, education, and environmental action, leaving behind a legacy of responsibility and hope.

Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign

A highlight of Ghana’s Baton Relay was the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, a flagship initiative linking sport with environmental responsibility. The Ghana Commonwealth Games Association led a large-scale beach clean-up at Independence Beach in Accra, where volunteers, athletes, and schoolchildren collected plastic waste for recycling. The event drew attention to the growing challenge of ocean pollution and showcased Ghana’s proactive role in promoting cleaner, healthier coastlines.

A Baton Reflecting Ghana’s Heritage and Hope

Designed by local artist Albert Obidiaba, Ghana’s Baton blended art, culture, and environmental consciousness. Incorporating Adinkra symbols, Kente patterns, and the colours of the Ghanaian flag, it also depicted iconic landmarks such as the Independence Arch, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and James Town Lighthouse. The Baton’s design was a tribute to Ghana’s natural and cultural heritage, underscoring the importance of protecting these treasures for future generations.

As Ghana looks ahead to Glasgow 2026, the King’s Baton Relay stands as a reminder that the spirit of the Commonwealth extends beyond competition, it is about unity in purpose, respect for the environment, and a shared vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

---

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.

The campaign will combine education and local action to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, highlight alternatives, and reduce pollution across the Commonwealth.

For the action component of the campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has partnered with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign as a core component of The King’s Baton Relay. This newly envisioned King’s Baton Relay will focus on sustainability and environmentalism and was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, beginning a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.

Journeying through every Commonwealth nation and territory, this partnership will bring together young people, athletes, conservation groups, and the local community for a week of activities, including a plastic clean-up.

---

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Find out how to support the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastic Campaign!