Participants at a youth forum organised in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region have accused the police in the area for extorting monies from the people.

The forum , which was on the theme: “Youth , a Valuable Asset for Nations Building,” and organised by the Bongo Youth Association (BOYA) on Tuesday, brought together the District Chief Executive, Mr Alexis Ayamdor Adugdaa, heads of department, students and the public.

It was meant to create a platform for the people to demand accountability from public officers.

Whilst some of the participants alleged that the Police demand GH? 100 before granting bails, others claimed that they exhort monies from drivers even if they had not violated road traffic regulations.

The forum asked the Ghana Police Service to arrest policemen who ride motorbikes without helmets and number plates.

The participants also complained about the delay in obtaining land documents from the Lands Commission.

There was no representative from the police to respond to the allegations, compelling Mr Adugdaa, who is the head of the District Security Council to express surprise about the absence.

He asked parents to be particular about the education of their children, while students should take their education seriously.

Mr Adgdaa said education is a powerful tool for development.

He called on the youth to avail themselves of the Rural Enterprise Programme, which is targeting unemployment graduates to go into agri-business to help improve upon their livelihoods.

Mr Emmanuel Nsoh, one of the Patrons of the Association admonished the youth to desist from social vices, particularly arm robbery and to work hard to contribute to development.

Mr James Daud Abangos, Regional Head of the National Youth Authority, called on the youth to channel their energies towards the nation’s development and not to allow themselves to be used by any selfish individual to cause trouble

The President of BOYA, Mr Stephen Akantuge Adongo, praised the assembly for rendering its social accountability and setting up a youth desk.

He appealed to the assembly to also set up a youth subcommittee and a youth fund to address issues relating to the youth.