The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said the choice of Tamale for the party's national delegates' congress was not by accident but a calculated attempt to show appreciation to the people of Northern region for maintaining the area's track record as a major support-base of the party.

Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, NDC National Organiser told journalists in Tamale after leading a high-powered team for assessing preparation towards the party's congress to be held in the area from 15 to 17 January, 2010. The members of the team include, Fridz Bafour, Chairman of the publicity planning committee, Professor Kwamena Ado and Nii Adjei Lamptey both members of the Grounds and Accommodation Committee as well as Dr. Don Arthur. Mr Ampofo noted that the team has been impressed with the level of preparation made so far by the various local organizing committees. He said among other places, the team visited some accommodation facilities in the Tamale Metropolis, the Tamale ultra modern stadium and the WAEC centre which will be the venue for the congress. Mr Ampofo disclosed that though 3000 accredited delegates are expected to converge at Tamale, the upcoming delegates congress will also attract about 25,000 guests from all walks of life which he said will among other interventions boost Tamale’s socio-economic development. Deputy Northern regional minister, Moses Bukari Mabingba assured the nation of the Regional Security Councils commitment to ensure maximum security in Tamale metropolis to avert anything untoward that might mar the beauty of the congress.

He appealed to residents of the metropolis and for that matter the entire region to consider the upcoming NDC national delegates congress as a litmus test to deepen the area’s democratic dispensation and thereby challenged them to maintain peace before, during and after the event.