‘Historic’ Independence celebration in Tamale is my ‘Thank you’ to Dagbon, Northern Region – Nana Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said the annual 6th March ceremony to mark the 62nd anniversary of Ghana was moved to Tamale in the Northern Region in appreciation to the people of Dagbon in pursuing peace.

Addressing the gathering March 6th at the Aliu Mahama Sports stadium in Tamale, President Akufo-Addo thanked the Otumfuo Asantehene and the committee of Eminent Chiefs for their fidelity to the final road map to peace in Dagbon.

President Akufo-Addo also welcomed the Kampakuya Na and Bolin Lana, who have recently been enskinned as Yoo-Na Yakubu Abdulai Andani, Savelugu Na, and Mion Lana Mahamadu Abdulai, respectively.

“Fellow Ghanaians, for the first time in our nation’s history, this ceremony is being held outside our national capital city of Accra. Tamale was chosen as the venue not only to underline the unity of our nation, but also to express the appreciation of the nation for the peace and the process of reconciliation that have engulfed Dagbon since the enskinment of Yaa-Na Mahama Abukari II as Overlord of Dagbon, on 25th January.” the President said.

He thanked other stakeholders: “I say a special welcome, too, to the Nayiri, Naa Bohugu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, Overlord of Mamprugu, and the Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa, Overlord of the Gonja State, two of the members of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs who, together with its Chairperson, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, were so instrumental in designing the roadmap, whose implementation has restored normalcy to Dagbon. I salute them all.” 

“After decades of being identified with unrest and disharmony, Dagbon has good reason to celebrate, and it is fitting that we use the opportunity of our independence anniversary celebration to converge here and celebrate with them on the theme of peace and unity.” he added.

“On March 6, when we celebrate the independence of Ghana, we celebrate the strength that comes from speaking with a united voice. We celebrate the coming together of different peoples to make the united and strong nation of Ghana.” he charged.

The President also tasked the “hardworking” Minister for Chieftaincy, Mr Kofi Dzamesi to speed up efforts to address other Chieftaincy feuds in other parts of the country.

Source: MyNewsGh.com/ Stephen Zoure/ 2019