Accra, Aug. 30, GNA - Papa Owusu Ankomah, Minister of Education, Science and Sports, on Wednesday said he was yet to make up his mind on whether to contest for the presidential ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

"In fact, I deem it an honour to be asked this question. Many party faithful have asked me to join the race for the Party's flag bearership. I think I have not yet made up my mind." Papa Owusu Ankomah, who was speaking to the Ghana News Agency said: "We should still expect some surprises since nominations for the flag bearership is yet to open."

The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Sekondi, said he was concentrating on the task at hand to "negotiate through the complex interaction between Education, Science and Sports.

"I am keeping my eyes on the ball at the moment. I am directing the transformation of sports, science and education at a crucial moment in our nation's history."

He said the Education, Science and Sports mix was a new challenge for him and that he needed all his strength and wits to do a good job. "What I find interesting is that I am dealing with the most educated people in the country (Universities), the most athletic (Sportsmen and Administrators) and the most knowledgeable (Scientists). They are not regimented and have diverse opinions."

Papa Owusu Ankomah has been on the ministerial circus ever since the NPP came to power in 2001.

He had been a Minister of Youth and Sports; The Interior; Attorney General and Minister of Justice; Majority Leader in Parliament and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and now Minister of Education, Science and Sports.

Papa graduated from the Ghana Law School in 1981 at the age of 23.