Accra, July 25, GNA - The Minority Spokesman on Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Pele Abuga on Friday called on the government to separate the Ministry of Education from that of Youth, Sports and Culture. He said by merging the two ministries the President effectively put two complex, problematic and different functions together, further complicating the already difficult and complex issues confronting the government and the nation with serious repercussions.

He said the effect of the merger has imparted negatively in the progress of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture as amply illustrated by the series of failures and disappointments that has afflicted the ministry particularly that of sports in recent times. Mr Abuga mentioned some of the few problems emanating from football and athletics as the disappointing results of the last qualifying matches between Ghana and Rwanda and the fact that Ghana placed last on the table behind Rwanda and Uganda.

"The fact that the administrators left the playing body stranded in Rwanda and rushed home to their comfort, which elicited anger from the players with some threatening not to play for the Black Stars any more showed further the anticipated repercussions."

The Spokesman said the Black Stars boycotting half way through a four nation competition in Nigeria having lost their first two matches, is also one of the disappointments.

He said the merged ministry is also responsible for the youth, which plays a vital function, is yet to be placed on a sound policy directives, adding that the greatest problem confronting Ghana today is what to do about its youth and how to reduce unemployment. "When culture is added, the ministry become very problematic requiring a separate and specialised treatment."

Mr Abuga therefore, called on the President to see the merger "as a major policy flaw" and asked him to "separate the two ministries before the problems get compounded."