Home to quite possibly the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet, most people travel to Ghana to experience its rich and diverse culture.

The Institution of Chieftaincy is the kingpin of Ghanaian traditional culture, and its contemporary relevance is generally recognised.

A British couple yesterday became Africa's first white chief and queen. John Lawler – already chief of the village of Shia, Ghana – saw his new wife Elaine made queen in front of thousands of well-wishers. The ceremony was just 24 hours after their marriage was blessed in front of chiefs and elders from across Ghana. John, 31, was made chief Togbui Mottey I eight years ago after helping set up a secondary school during a gap year. The village's main chief decided to bestow the title on Elaine, 33, after travelling to Newcastle to meet her. Elaine, of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, will be now known as Mama Amenyo Nyowu Sika. She said: ‘It was totally overwhelming but the people were so friendly and it was a wonderful privilege.’ John, who runs a gap year travel company, added: ‘She looked a real African queen.’