Flashback: Rare photo of JJ Rawlings and Queen Elizabeth II emerges

The photograph is a recollection of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Ghana; her second, since her initial controversial visit post-independence in 1961 during the Nkrumah-led administration.

During her second visit in the company of her husband, Prince Philip in 1999, she was welcomed by President Jerry John Rawlings at the Kotoka International Airport.

The photograph, however, captures the duo in the company of their spouses arriving for a State Banquet in Accra.

Having many enthusiasts in the country, they were met with thousands of cheering Ghanaians who turned up 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 was “Queen Elizabeth we love” by the Highlife composer King Kwamla Bruce.

Below is the picture of former President Rawlings and Queen Elizabeth II: