Ghana was the first African country colonised by European powers to achieve independence under majority rule. During the first three years after independence, from 1957 to 1960, a Westminster system of government was in place and the British monarch served as Queen of Ghana and head of state. Although the country was sometimes referred to as the Dominion of Ghana during this period, it never held the formal status of Dominion within the British Empire. 1. * Charles Noble Arden-Clarke (6 March – 24 June 1957) 2. * William Francis Hare, 5th Earl of Listowel (24 June 1957 – 1 July 1960)