Akufo-Addo hints at regional rotation of Independence Day parade

President Nana Akufo-Addo has suggested a regional rotation of the annual national Independence Day parade following the “success” of the first-ever one held outside the capital, Accra in the Northern Regional capital, Tamale.

In his speech at the 62nd Independence Day celebration at the Aliu Mahama Stadium on Wednesday, 6 March 2016, Mr Akufo-Addo said: “The success of the Tamale experience may, however, set the trend for the rotation of this ceremony”.

Mr Akufo-Addo further congratulated the people of Tamale “for being such gracious hosts” on the first occasion that the parade has been organised outside Accra on the theme: ‘Celebrating Peace & Unity’ to mark the successful installation of a new Ya Na for the people of Dagbon, who have been without a substantive king for close to two decades due to bloody chieftaincy conflicts.

Mr Akufo-Addo further entreated Ghanaians to explore and enjoy the many sights and sounds in the country before jetting off to Dubai for sightseeing or holidays.

“Those who have the means to do so”, the president said, “should consider it more important to travel around and know Ghana before they embark on the next vacation to Dubai”.

He, therefore, charged the authorities in charge of tourism to put in the necessary measures to ensure a boost in the sector.

“If they get it right with internal Ghanaian tourists then they will be ready to cope with foreign tourists,” he added.

Mr Akufo-Addo charged “those who live in the big cities, in particular, to get around the country a little”, adding that “it might just change their outlook, make them a little more tolerant about the difficulties that we need to overcome”.