Konongo (Ash), Nov.9, GNA - The Asante Akim North executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Sunday boycotted a forum organised for parliamentary candidates in the Constituency to explain their programmes and visions to the electorate.

The action was precipitated by the inability of the Member of Parliament, Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu who is also the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports to attend the function.

Though the organisers of the forum; Youth In Action For Development (YIAD), and the Centre for the Development of People, explained that the meeting could take place without the Minister, the NDC was adamant.

The officials explained that the forum was not a contest between the political parties contesting Election 2004.

Mr Thomas Osei Bonsu, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Asante Akim North said: "If Mr Baah Wiredu is not coming, then we are also not coming", and left the forum with his supporters amidst the chanting of party slogans and singing.

This development infuriated the constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who left the forum with supporters of the Party leaving behind the Parliamentary Candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP) and a handful of electorates.

Mr Vincent Frimpong Manu, the Executive President of YIAD, told the GNA that Mr Baah Wiredu informed him on Sunday morning that he was engaged in an equally important assignment with the Vice President Aliu Mahama in Accra and could therefore not attend the function.

Mr Kwabena Anarfi, the CPP Parliamentary Candidate, cautioned the electorate to be wary of politicians who gave empty promises in an attempt to win their votes.

He accused the NPP and NDC of pursuing policies, which had plunged the country into poverty instead of enhancing socio-economic development.

Mr Anarfi said he would initiate measures to promote education and instil discipline into the youth if voted into Parliament.