Accra: On March 6, 1957, Ghanaians celebrated the end of colonial rule and the dawn of independence. Tens of thousands gathered in Accra, while most workers were given the day off to mark the historic occasion.
According to Ghana Web, the Duchess of Kent, Princess Marina, represented Queen Elizabeth II at the independence celebrations. She played a central role in the ceremonies, formally opening the first Parliament of Ghana and reading a personal message from the Queen.
She was accompanied by Governor Sir Charles Arden-Clarke, the first Governor-General of independent Ghana. The Duchess delivered a speech outlining the Ghanaian government's policy and affirmed the Queen's support for the newly independent nation.
In her message, the Queen said, "The hopes of many, especially in Africa, hang on your endeavours. It is my earnest and confident belief that my people in Ghana will go forward in freedom and justice."
In response, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first Prime Minister, expressed his government's commitment to the responsibilities of independence. "My government fully realises both the advantages and the responsibilities involved in the achievement of independence. It intends to make full use of these advantages to increase the prosperity of the country," he stated.