7.3B Independence in Africa

In 1957, the first British colony in Africa got its independence when the Gold Coast (as it was known under British rule) became Ghana. Independence for other colonies under British rule followed soon after and was achieved fairly peacefully. These films show former British colonies celebrating the transfer of power, and the response of one newly independent state to a visit from Queen Elizabeth II.

DRUMS FOR A QUEEN
10 MINS 59 SECS, SOUND, COLOUR, 1961

Key Section - 07:52 to end.

This video forms part of a wonderful, colour documentary covering a royal tour of Ghana and West Africa by Queen Elizabeth II. In the relevant section, the Queen presides over the Parliament of the newly independent Sierra Leone.

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KENYA GAINS INDEPENDENCE
2 MINS 2 SECS, SOUND, B/W, 1963

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attends a ceremony for the independence of Kenya in Nairobi. With Prime Minister Jomo Kenyatta, the Prince watches as the Union Flag is lowered. This newsreel was released in cinemas on 16 December 1963.

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GAMBIA INDEPENDENT
1 MIN 46 SECS, SOUND, B/W, 1965

In this cinema newsreel from 1965, the Duke and Duchess of Kent meet with David Jawara, Prime Minister of Gambia, to formally hand over power. Celebratory marches and dances follow.