Tamale, May 31, GNA- A thick and enthusiastic crowd, which welcomed Mr. John Dramani Mahama, running mate to Professor John Evans Atta Mills, flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to Tamale on Saturday, prevented him from engaging in any form of activity. So thick was the crowd that it took Mr Mahama and his entourage quite some tine undertake the three-kilometre journey from Datoyili, popularly known as barrier to the Tamale township.

Motorbike and bicycle riders as well as some supporters danced to brass band music and traditional drumming.

The crowd, which lined up on both sides of the three-kilometre road waved and cheered as Mr. Mahama's vehicle almost came to a standstill. According to Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, NDC General Secretary, Mr. Mahama arrived late to coincide with Muslim prayers and could therefore not be able to interact with the chiefs and other traditional rulers as originally planned.

Mr. Asiedu-Nketia said Mr. Mahama and his entourage could not visit some supporters who were earlier involved in a motto accident on their way to welcome him (Mr Mahama) at Datoyili.

The NDC General Secretary said Mr. Mahama delegated Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, Vice National Chairman and Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, National Youth Organiser, to visit the accident victims at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Mr. Mahama would on Sunday continue with a tour of the Northern Region. 31 May 08