ACCRA, Nov 7 (Reuters) – Britain’s Queen Elizabeth began a three-nation African tour on Sunday with a state visit to Ghana, her first visit to the former British colony since 1961, witnesses said.
The Queen, who was accompanied by her husband Prince Philip, will also visit South Africa, where she will open the annual Commonwealth heads of government summit, and Mozambique.
President Jerry Rawlings welcomed the royal couple at the airport. Thousands of cheering Ghanaians turned out with Union Jack flags.
Ghana won independence from Britain in 1957, starting a trend that ended British rule in colonies across the continent. It became a republic in 1960 under the terms of a 1958 referendum.
Ghana turned back its musical clock for the visit, reviving “golden oldies” that topped the local charts when Elizabeth last visited.
Prominent among the songs broadcast by the country’s radio stations has been “Queen Elizabeth we love” by the “high life” composer King Kwamla Bruce.
During her visit, the Queen will hold talks with Rawlings, address Ghana’s parliament and attend a colourful Durbar meeting of traditional tribal chiefs. She leaves for South Africa on Tuesday.
