The decision for Tamale to host Ghana’s 62nd national independence anniversary was a “surprise package” by President Nana Akufo-Addo, Northern Regional Minister Salifu Saeed has told Class 91.3FM’s Executive Breakfast Show host Benjamin Akakpo on Wednesday, 6 March 2019.

Mr Saeed said the traditional leaders of the entire northern enclave as well as the people are elated by the decision.

In his third state of the nation address to parliament on 21 February, the president said the “official Independence Day celebration will be held at Tamale all in a bid to uniting the people”.

According to him, the successful funeral ceremonies held for the two late Overlords of Dagbon, which culminated in the coronation of a new Ya Na (Overlord) for the people of that part of the country, made it even more feasible to hold the national independence anniversary in Tamale.

"Thousands of our compatriots were in Dagbon to share in the joy of the new Ya Na's coronation a month ago. It marked the climax of a tortuous journey and a hard grind", adding that: "I pray that we all continue the process until peace becomes the fabric of Dagbon".