AS the day for the national delegates congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) draws closer, the Northern Regional Police Command has expressed its readiness to ensure an incident-free event.
According to the Northern Regional Police Commander, Mr Angwubutoge Awuni, “We are firmly on the ground and collaborating with our headquarters in Accra for the necessary logistics for the provision of adequate security before, during and after the congress.”
In an interview with the Daily Graphic on Monday, the commander, who did not give figures, indicated that an adequate number of police personnel would be mobilised to ensure peace and order during the congress that would attract about 3,000 delegates and observers from various parts of the country.
Mr Awuni was optimistic that in spite of the high turnout envisaged, there would not be a breach of the existing peaceful atmosphere in the Tamale metropolis during the entire period of the congress.
“The NDC northern regional delegates congress was held peacefully at the WAEC Hall in November last year and we hope the coming national congress that will also be held at the same venue will equally be harmonious,” he stated.
He, however, called for co-operation and support from delegates and other stakeholders to the congress, “so that together we can have a smooth congress”.
On the congress itself, there are feverish preparations by both the local and national organising committees to organise a successful congress. The venue for the congress, the WAEC Hall at the Education Ridge, has already been secured, while almost all hotels and guest-houses have been booked for the guests.
According to the local committee, there would be a congress village, while some of the delegates will also be camped in dormitories.
The congress will begin on Friday, January 15 and end on January 17, this year.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
TAMALE PREPARES FOR NDC NATIONAL CONGRESS (PAGE 14, JAN 11, 2010)
FERVENT preparations are ongoing in the Tamale metropolis for the hosting of the National Delegates Congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the metropolis.
So far the National Organising Committee of the party has expressed satisfaction with the levels of arrangements to ensure a successful congress that will come off on January 15 to 16 this month at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Examinations Centre.
According to the National Organiser of the NDC, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the metropolis has enough facilities to host the over 3,000 expected delegates and commended the Local Organising Committee for its tremendous efforts.
Addressing the press in Tamale, he explained that the choice of Tamale as the venue for this year’s congress was arrived at following the loyalty and support the party had enjoyed from the northern region over the years.
Other members of the committee present were Mr Fritz Bafour, chairman of the publicity planning committee; Professor Kwamena Ado and Nii Adjei Lamptey, members of the grounds and accommodation committees respectively. Also present was Dr Don Arthur from the Office of the President.
Among the accommodation facilities the team visited were the GETFund hostel and the venue for the congress.
On security, the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabingba, expressed the commitment of the Regional Security Council to ensure an incident-free congress.
He, therefore, appealed to residents of Tamale to consider the congress as a challenge and an opportunity to showcase the metropolis to the world as a hub of commerce and hospitality.
The local economy in the area is expected to get a boost as those in the hospitality industry such as hoteliers, food vendors, taxi drivers and traders will be cashing in on the thousands of visitors who will be trooping to the metropolis for the congress.
Already almost all hotels and guests houses in the city are said to have been fully booked by the NDC. Some of the delegates would, however, be housed in the dormitories of some second cycle institutions while tents are to be erected at some strategic locations for others, according to the Local Organising Committee of the party in Tamale.
So far the National Organising Committee of the party has expressed satisfaction with the levels of arrangements to ensure a successful congress that will come off on January 15 to 16 this month at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Examinations Centre.
According to the National Organiser of the NDC, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the metropolis has enough facilities to host the over 3,000 expected delegates and commended the Local Organising Committee for its tremendous efforts.
Addressing the press in Tamale, he explained that the choice of Tamale as the venue for this year’s congress was arrived at following the loyalty and support the party had enjoyed from the northern region over the years.
Other members of the committee present were Mr Fritz Bafour, chairman of the publicity planning committee; Professor Kwamena Ado and Nii Adjei Lamptey, members of the grounds and accommodation committees respectively. Also present was Dr Don Arthur from the Office of the President.
Among the accommodation facilities the team visited were the GETFund hostel and the venue for the congress.
On security, the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabingba, expressed the commitment of the Regional Security Council to ensure an incident-free congress.
He, therefore, appealed to residents of Tamale to consider the congress as a challenge and an opportunity to showcase the metropolis to the world as a hub of commerce and hospitality.
The local economy in the area is expected to get a boost as those in the hospitality industry such as hoteliers, food vendors, taxi drivers and traders will be cashing in on the thousands of visitors who will be trooping to the metropolis for the congress.
Already almost all hotels and guests houses in the city are said to have been fully booked by the NDC. Some of the delegates would, however, be housed in the dormitories of some second cycle institutions while tents are to be erected at some strategic locations for others, according to the Local Organising Committee of the party in Tamale.
Monday, February 22, 2010
FOUR INJURED IN NDC/NPP CLASH IN TAMALE (PAGE 16, 2010)
FOUR persons sustained head injuries when they were allegedly pelted with stones by some unidentified persons in a misunderstanding between some New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth groups at Choggu Hill Top on Monday night.
The victims, Abubakar Abdul-Mumin, Adam Haruna, Abdul-Majeed Dauda and Abdul-Ganiyu Adam have since been treated and discharged from the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
No arrest has been made yet. However calm has since returned to the suburb.
According to the assemblyman for the area, Mr Adam Mohammed Hardi, the incident occurred between the hours of 8 and 9pm last Monday night, during the clearing of drains in the community.
He explained that a contract was awarded by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to some NDC youth groups to clear choked drains in the community some weeks ago.
Mr Hardi said work began earnestly a couple of days ago and on Sunday when the workers got to a spot where an NPP shed is located, a misunderstanding ensued between the two groups. As a result one of the victims, Abdul-Mumin was hit on the head with a shovel leading to the suspension of work.
“The other three victims were also hit with stones on their heads at the same spot at night on Monday when work resumed”, he stated.
The assemblyman further indicated that at the time of the incident he was outside the community but was informed through a phone call. “When I rushed home, the situation had normalised and I later had to collect medical forms from the police to send the victims to the hospital where they were treated and discharged.”
When the police was contacted, they confirmed the story. According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the victims have indicated their willingness to identify their alleged assailants who will subsequently be arrested to assist in investigations.
The victims, Abubakar Abdul-Mumin, Adam Haruna, Abdul-Majeed Dauda and Abdul-Ganiyu Adam have since been treated and discharged from the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
No arrest has been made yet. However calm has since returned to the suburb.
According to the assemblyman for the area, Mr Adam Mohammed Hardi, the incident occurred between the hours of 8 and 9pm last Monday night, during the clearing of drains in the community.
He explained that a contract was awarded by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to some NDC youth groups to clear choked drains in the community some weeks ago.
Mr Hardi said work began earnestly a couple of days ago and on Sunday when the workers got to a spot where an NPP shed is located, a misunderstanding ensued between the two groups. As a result one of the victims, Abdul-Mumin was hit on the head with a shovel leading to the suspension of work.
“The other three victims were also hit with stones on their heads at the same spot at night on Monday when work resumed”, he stated.
The assemblyman further indicated that at the time of the incident he was outside the community but was informed through a phone call. “When I rushed home, the situation had normalised and I later had to collect medical forms from the police to send the victims to the hospital where they were treated and discharged.”
When the police was contacted, they confirmed the story. According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the victims have indicated their willingness to identify their alleged assailants who will subsequently be arrested to assist in investigations.
TAMALE POLICE COMMANDER WAS SHOT AT NPP CONGRESS (PAGE 14, JAN 6. 2010)
IT has now been established that two persons, including the Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr Abanga Caesar, actually sustained injuries from a gunshot at the Northern Regional delegates congress of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tamale last Sunday.
The condition of the other victim, Issahaku Walis, who is a member of the Tamale Polytechnic students wing of the NPP, is said to be serious.
He is currently on admission at the Tamale Teaching Hospital where he is receiving treatment. However Mr Caesar, who was wounded on his right thumb, has since been treated and discharged from the hospital.
Meanwhile the five persons who were arrested in connection with the incident are to be prosecuted. According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the suspects will face the full rigours of the law. Their names have, however, not been given for security reasons.
According to Mr Caesar, the shooting incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. last Sunday, after the police attempted to prevent some unaccredited persons from following one of the candidates vying for the chairmanship position of the party, into the venue for the congress.
As the alleged intruders were forcing their way through the main entrance, confusion broke out and “suddenly there was a gunshot and subsequent sharp pain in my thumb,” Mr Caesar alleged.
The police had to fire canisters of tear gas to disperse the incensed supporters for calm to return after about 15 minutes of disorder. The gun allegedly used in the shooting has not been retrieved yet.
After calm had been restored, the congress went on successfully with the election of a 53-year-old Tamale based contractor, Alhaji Harunah Sulemana also known as Harumbis, as the new Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Alhaji Harumbis polled 210 out of a total of 450 votes cast, representing 68.9% to beat his closest contender, Mr Daniel Bugri Naabu, an Accra-based contractor who secured 139 votes.
Apart from the incumbent Regional Secretary, Clifford Braimah Mahama, who retained his position by polling 244 votes, fresh persons were elected to manage the affairs of NPP in the region for the next four years.
They included Alhaji Rashid Abdul Rahaman COP, Youth Organiser; Alhaji Hindu Abdullah, Organiser; Hajia Amama Shaibu, Women’s Organiser, and Alhaji Abubakari Adam, Regional Treasurer.
Alhaji Harumbis commended the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and promised to overhaul the party in the region to improve on its chances of winning the 2012 elections.
He, however, appealed to party members, especially the youth, to be law-abiding by cooperating with security operatives in the region to maintain law and order, particularly in Dagbon.
For his part, the General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow, urged party members to consider the 2012 elections as “the mother of all elections” in Ghana and show more commitment to propagating the party’s ideals to the electorate.
He impressed on both victors and losers to consider the end result of the delegates congress as a victory for the party and for democracy.
Nana Ntow commended the police for ensuring maximum security before, during and after the congress and said “the NPP will continue to cooperate with security operatives in the country to make Ghana a safe haven for all”.
The condition of the other victim, Issahaku Walis, who is a member of the Tamale Polytechnic students wing of the NPP, is said to be serious.
He is currently on admission at the Tamale Teaching Hospital where he is receiving treatment. However Mr Caesar, who was wounded on his right thumb, has since been treated and discharged from the hospital.
Meanwhile the five persons who were arrested in connection with the incident are to be prosecuted. According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the suspects will face the full rigours of the law. Their names have, however, not been given for security reasons.
According to Mr Caesar, the shooting incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. last Sunday, after the police attempted to prevent some unaccredited persons from following one of the candidates vying for the chairmanship position of the party, into the venue for the congress.
As the alleged intruders were forcing their way through the main entrance, confusion broke out and “suddenly there was a gunshot and subsequent sharp pain in my thumb,” Mr Caesar alleged.
The police had to fire canisters of tear gas to disperse the incensed supporters for calm to return after about 15 minutes of disorder. The gun allegedly used in the shooting has not been retrieved yet.
After calm had been restored, the congress went on successfully with the election of a 53-year-old Tamale based contractor, Alhaji Harunah Sulemana also known as Harumbis, as the new Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Alhaji Harumbis polled 210 out of a total of 450 votes cast, representing 68.9% to beat his closest contender, Mr Daniel Bugri Naabu, an Accra-based contractor who secured 139 votes.
Apart from the incumbent Regional Secretary, Clifford Braimah Mahama, who retained his position by polling 244 votes, fresh persons were elected to manage the affairs of NPP in the region for the next four years.
They included Alhaji Rashid Abdul Rahaman COP, Youth Organiser; Alhaji Hindu Abdullah, Organiser; Hajia Amama Shaibu, Women’s Organiser, and Alhaji Abubakari Adam, Regional Treasurer.
Alhaji Harumbis commended the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and promised to overhaul the party in the region to improve on its chances of winning the 2012 elections.
He, however, appealed to party members, especially the youth, to be law-abiding by cooperating with security operatives in the region to maintain law and order, particularly in Dagbon.
For his part, the General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow, urged party members to consider the 2012 elections as “the mother of all elections” in Ghana and show more commitment to propagating the party’s ideals to the electorate.
He impressed on both victors and losers to consider the end result of the delegates congress as a victory for the party and for democracy.
Nana Ntow commended the police for ensuring maximum security before, during and after the congress and said “the NPP will continue to cooperate with security operatives in the country to make Ghana a safe haven for all”.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
CONTROVERSY OVER CAUSE OF INJURY TO 2 (PAGE 3, JAN 5)
CONTROVERSY still rages over the cause of injury to the two persons, including the Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr Abanga Caesar, at the Northern Regional delegates congress of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tamale last Sunday.
Medical reports on the victims are said to be inconclusive, according to hospital sources.
The condition of the other victim, Issahaku Walis, who is a member of the Tamale Polytechnic students wing of the NPP, is said to be serious. He is currently on admission at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
The Police Commander, who was wounded on his right thumb, has, however, been treated and discharged.
Meanwhile, the five persons who were arrested in connection with the incident are reported to have been granted police inquiry bail awaiting prosecution.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the suspects would face the full rigours of the law. Their names are being withheld for security reasons.
According to Mr Caesar, the shooting incident occurred at around 11:30 am after the police attempted to prevent some unaccredited persons from following one of the candidates vying for the chairmanship position of the party into the congress hall.
As the alleged intruders were forcing their way through the main entrance, confusion broke out and “suddenly there was a shot and subsequent sharp pain in my thumb,” Mr Caesar alleged.
The police had to fire canisters of tear gas to disperse the incensed supporters for calm to return after about 15 minutes of disorder. The gun allegedly used in the shooting has not yet been retrieved.
After calm had been restored, the congress came off successfully with the election of a 53-year-old Tamale-based contractor, Alhaji Harunah Sulemana aka Harumbis, as the new Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP.
Alhaji Harumbis polled 210 out of a total of 450 votes cast to beat his closest challenger, Mr Daniel Bugri Naabu, an Accra-based contractor, who secured 139 votes.
Apart from the incumbent Regional Secretary, Clifford Braimah Mahama, who retained his position by polling 244 votes, fresh persons were elected to manage the affairs of the NPP in the region for the next four years.
They include Alhaji Rashid Abdul Rahaman, youth organiser; Alhaji Hindu Abdullah, regional organiser; Hajia Amama Shaibu, women’s organiser, and Alhaji Abubakari Adam as the regional treasurer.
Alhaji Harumbis commended the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and promised to overhaul the party in the region to improve on its chances of winning the 2012 elections.
He appealed to party members, especially the youth, to be law-abiding by co-operating with security operatives in the region to maintain law and order particularly in Dagbon.
For his part, the General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow, urged party members to consider the 2012 elections as the mother of all elections in Ghana and show more commitment by propagating the party’s ideals to the electorate.
He advised both victors and losers to consider the end result of the delegate’s congress as a victory for the party and for democracy.
Nana Ntow commended the police for ensuring maximum security before, during and after the congress and said “the NPP would continue to co-operate with security operatives in the country to make Ghana a safe place for all”.
Medical reports on the victims are said to be inconclusive, according to hospital sources.
The condition of the other victim, Issahaku Walis, who is a member of the Tamale Polytechnic students wing of the NPP, is said to be serious. He is currently on admission at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
The Police Commander, who was wounded on his right thumb, has, however, been treated and discharged.
Meanwhile, the five persons who were arrested in connection with the incident are reported to have been granted police inquiry bail awaiting prosecution.
According to the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh, the suspects would face the full rigours of the law. Their names are being withheld for security reasons.
According to Mr Caesar, the shooting incident occurred at around 11:30 am after the police attempted to prevent some unaccredited persons from following one of the candidates vying for the chairmanship position of the party into the congress hall.
As the alleged intruders were forcing their way through the main entrance, confusion broke out and “suddenly there was a shot and subsequent sharp pain in my thumb,” Mr Caesar alleged.
The police had to fire canisters of tear gas to disperse the incensed supporters for calm to return after about 15 minutes of disorder. The gun allegedly used in the shooting has not yet been retrieved.
After calm had been restored, the congress came off successfully with the election of a 53-year-old Tamale-based contractor, Alhaji Harunah Sulemana aka Harumbis, as the new Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP.
Alhaji Harumbis polled 210 out of a total of 450 votes cast to beat his closest challenger, Mr Daniel Bugri Naabu, an Accra-based contractor, who secured 139 votes.
Apart from the incumbent Regional Secretary, Clifford Braimah Mahama, who retained his position by polling 244 votes, fresh persons were elected to manage the affairs of the NPP in the region for the next four years.
They include Alhaji Rashid Abdul Rahaman, youth organiser; Alhaji Hindu Abdullah, regional organiser; Hajia Amama Shaibu, women’s organiser, and Alhaji Abubakari Adam as the regional treasurer.
Alhaji Harumbis commended the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and promised to overhaul the party in the region to improve on its chances of winning the 2012 elections.
He appealed to party members, especially the youth, to be law-abiding by co-operating with security operatives in the region to maintain law and order particularly in Dagbon.
For his part, the General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow, urged party members to consider the 2012 elections as the mother of all elections in Ghana and show more commitment by propagating the party’s ideals to the electorate.
He advised both victors and losers to consider the end result of the delegate’s congress as a victory for the party and for democracy.
Nana Ntow commended the police for ensuring maximum security before, during and after the congress and said “the NPP would continue to co-operate with security operatives in the country to make Ghana a safe place for all”.
Monday, January 4, 2010
COMMANDER SHOT AT NPP NR CONGRESS (PAGE 3, JAN 4)
THE Tamale Metropolitan Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abanga Caesar, received a bullet wound on his right thumb during rioting by some agitated supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at their Northern Regional Congress in Tamale on Sunday.
The victim, who was rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, has since been treated and discharged.
Five persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident to assist the police in their investigations. Calm, however, returned was restored to the Radach Memorial Centre at Lamashegu, a suburb of Tamale, where the congress was held.
According to Mr Caesar, the shooting incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. after the police attempted to prevent some unaccredited persons from following one of the candidates vying for the chairmanship position of the party into the venue for the congress.
As the alleged intruders were forcing their way through the main entrance, confusion broke out and “suddenly there was a shot and subsequent sharp pain in my thumb,” Mr Caesar alleged.
The police had to fire canisters of tear gas to disperse the incensed supporters for calm to return after about 15 minutes of disorder.
As of the time of filing this report, the candidates vying for the various positions of the party were being introduced to the delegates. The hotly contested position was the chairmanship that was being competed for by six candidates, including the incumbent, Alhassan Addow.
The others were Mr Daniel Bugre Naabu, an Accra-based building contractor; Alhaji Mugisu Siibawey of the Ghana Health Service and Alhaji Alhassan Mahmud, the immediate past Northern Regional NADMO Co-ordinator.
The rest were Alhaji Haroona Tia Sulemana, a Tamale-based building contractor, and Na-Vugu Joseph Nongre of the office of the former Chief of Staff.
Among the national executive members of the party who were present at the congress to witness proceedings were Nana Ohene Ntow, the General Secretary of the NPP; Mr Lord Commey, National Organiser; Madam Rita Asobayeri, National Women’s Organiser, and Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan, a former MP for Yendi.
The Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP A. Awuni, led the police contingent at the congress.
The victim, who was rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, has since been treated and discharged.
Five persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident to assist the police in their investigations. Calm, however, returned was restored to the Radach Memorial Centre at Lamashegu, a suburb of Tamale, where the congress was held.
According to Mr Caesar, the shooting incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. after the police attempted to prevent some unaccredited persons from following one of the candidates vying for the chairmanship position of the party into the venue for the congress.
As the alleged intruders were forcing their way through the main entrance, confusion broke out and “suddenly there was a shot and subsequent sharp pain in my thumb,” Mr Caesar alleged.
The police had to fire canisters of tear gas to disperse the incensed supporters for calm to return after about 15 minutes of disorder.
As of the time of filing this report, the candidates vying for the various positions of the party were being introduced to the delegates. The hotly contested position was the chairmanship that was being competed for by six candidates, including the incumbent, Alhassan Addow.
The others were Mr Daniel Bugre Naabu, an Accra-based building contractor; Alhaji Mugisu Siibawey of the Ghana Health Service and Alhaji Alhassan Mahmud, the immediate past Northern Regional NADMO Co-ordinator.
The rest were Alhaji Haroona Tia Sulemana, a Tamale-based building contractor, and Na-Vugu Joseph Nongre of the office of the former Chief of Staff.
Among the national executive members of the party who were present at the congress to witness proceedings were Nana Ohene Ntow, the General Secretary of the NPP; Mr Lord Commey, National Organiser; Madam Rita Asobayeri, National Women’s Organiser, and Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan, a former MP for Yendi.
The Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP A. Awuni, led the police contingent at the congress.
Friday, January 1, 2010
TAMALE RESIDENTS MARK BUGUM FESTIVAL (SPREAD, DEC 30)
Residents of Tamale last Sunday poured onto the streets at night in their hundreds to mark the traditional Bugum (Fire) Festival which signifies the beginning of the lunar year.
Revellers went on a peaceful procession through the principal streets of the metropolis. Some of them were joined by foreign tourists, while a combined team of military and police personnel detailed to ensure order could not help but join in the intricate steps of the revellers, amidst the firing of musketry and the display of fireworks.
There was no reported incident of violence or injury, as the carnival progressed peacefully into the early hours of Monday.
The revellers, majority of whom were young ladies, went in a procession along the streets, with babies strapped to the backs of some nursing mothers.
With lighted torches, they sang and danced to both war and profane songs.
With machetes raised above their sweaty bodies and talismans and cow tails dangling on their arms and waists, the ecstatic men and women danced energetically deep into the night.
Some residents expressed satisfaction with the successful organisation of this year's event. Others also suggested the need to project the festival in the future to attract more tourists from within and outside the country to savour one of the oldest and most cherished traditions of the people.
Dagombas and other ethnic groups in the north mostly celebrate it on the 10th day of the new lunar month.
It is believed to mark the edict of a prominent Dagomba chief who, in tracing his lost son after dusk, ordered the lighting of torches, which eventually led to the discovery of the son.
It is also celebrated for its Islamic religious significance.
In the modern commemoration of the festival however, the revellers dispose of their torches at a thicket, while knowledgeable Mallams later reveal the events that are likely to occur in the New Year to chiefs who, in turn, announce the findings to the people.
The festival was, however, not observed in Yendi and its surrounding communities following a ban by the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for security reasons.
Revellers went on a peaceful procession through the principal streets of the metropolis. Some of them were joined by foreign tourists, while a combined team of military and police personnel detailed to ensure order could not help but join in the intricate steps of the revellers, amidst the firing of musketry and the display of fireworks.
There was no reported incident of violence or injury, as the carnival progressed peacefully into the early hours of Monday.
The revellers, majority of whom were young ladies, went in a procession along the streets, with babies strapped to the backs of some nursing mothers.
With lighted torches, they sang and danced to both war and profane songs.
With machetes raised above their sweaty bodies and talismans and cow tails dangling on their arms and waists, the ecstatic men and women danced energetically deep into the night.
Some residents expressed satisfaction with the successful organisation of this year's event. Others also suggested the need to project the festival in the future to attract more tourists from within and outside the country to savour one of the oldest and most cherished traditions of the people.
Dagombas and other ethnic groups in the north mostly celebrate it on the 10th day of the new lunar month.
It is believed to mark the edict of a prominent Dagomba chief who, in tracing his lost son after dusk, ordered the lighting of torches, which eventually led to the discovery of the son.
It is also celebrated for its Islamic religious significance.
In the modern commemoration of the festival however, the revellers dispose of their torches at a thicket, while knowledgeable Mallams later reveal the events that are likely to occur in the New Year to chiefs who, in turn, announce the findings to the people.
The festival was, however, not observed in Yendi and its surrounding communities following a ban by the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for security reasons.
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