About 15 journalists from various media houses invited to cover the handing over of office to the new Minister of Works and Housing, walked out of the conference room of the ministry after waiting for one-and-a-half hours for the function to start.

Some staff of the ministry pleaded with the journalists to have patience as the outgoing minister, Mr Kwamena Bartels, the incoming Minister, Mr Yaw Barimah and directors of departments under the ministry were holding a meeting in the minister's office, but the journalists did not budge.

The function was scheduled to begin at 10:00 hours but at 11:30 hours the ministers were still meeting with the directors.

What triggered the walkout was when the journalists and other invitees demanded an explanation for the delay and the minister's secretary said: "It is easy to come and tell you to wait for them. They are preparing to meet you soon, so let me just say that to everybody."

Journalists at the program included representatives of the GNA, Ghanaian Times, Daily Graphic, Radio Ghana, Peace FM, Spectator and Crusading Guide.

They pointed out that the late start of the function was a negative indicator in the era of positive change, saying that there was positive change in the media and journalists would not countenance such shortcomings anymore.

Meanwhile, in a brief chat with the journalists earlier, Mr Bartels stated that the new Ministry of Private Sector Development under him would seek to correct the notion that investment was the preserve of foreigners.

When the ministry is fully operational, it would encourage the practical involvement of local entrepreneurs and potential investors in the national development process, he said. "There are funds available to support such local initiatives."

Mr Bartels said when he assumed office he would organise a series of workshops to collect data on the specific functions of the ministry to ascertain the parameters within which it must operate.

He, however, noted that the ministry was an inter-sectoral one, saying, that for it to be effective, it must work in close collaboration with all the other ministries, government departments and industry.

Mr Bartels said he had prepared complete handing over notes including information on all asset, liabilities and activities of the Ministry of Works and Housing to assist his successor catch up with events in the ministry faster.