Watch archival footage of port workers on Ghana’s eve of independence

Rare film from March 5, 1957, captures a vibrant Accra Regatta held just a day before Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule.

The event, which attracted thousands of spectators to the Accra waterfront, featured the Duchess of Kent alongside the Royal Marines band as local port workers turned their everyday skills into a major sporting spectacle.

The regatta formed part of the celebrations leading up to Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957, and offered a glimpse into the culture, strength and community spirit of the people at the time.

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In a video posted on X sighted by GhanaWeb on Saturday September 26, 2026, the main attractions were the surf-boat racing, where teams of skilled paddlers battled the coastal waves as they raced their boats.

The competitions drew heavily from the daily work of port workers, particularly those involved in the handling and loading of cocoa.

In one of the events, workers wearing red headbands could be seen carrying heavy sacks of cocoa along the shore and into the water before loading them onto boats.

The physical demands of the work were turned into a test of speed, strength and coordination, with large crowds cheering the participants as they competed.

Swimming and other water-based activities also formed part of the celebrations, with participants displaying their ability to navigate the sea using paddles and other traditional techniques.

The waterfront was packed with spectators who gathered on the docks, stands and surrounding rooftops to watch the competitions.

Whistles, cheers and flags added to the festive atmosphere, while brass bands in khaki uniforms provided music throughout the event.

The footage also shows the excitement among the competing workers, with one group proudly raising a large trophy after the competitions.

Held on March 5, 1957, the regatta provided more than entertainment. It showcased the skills of workers whose daily activities at the port were closely connected to Ghana's coastal and trading economy.

The rare film footage now offers a visual record of how communities in Accra marked the final hours before the country entered a new chapter as an independent nation.

Footage of port workers turning their everyday cocoa-loading and surf-boat skills into a competitive sporting display during Ghana’s Independence festivities, as the Duchess of Kent attended the Accra Regatta on 5 March 1957 — the day before Independence, accompanied by the Royal… pic.twitter.com/WxYOYDWWPZ

— GHANA FACTS & HISTORY (@GhanaianMuseum) September 10, 2026