Kumasi: Over 2000 people set to gain employment

Over 2000 people are set to gain employment on a shopping mall project being undertaken in Kumasi jointly the Methodist Church and Asanteman Council.

Selling in Kumasi, set to change!

Half of the job opportunities are available to prospective employees at the construction stage while the rest will come on stream on completion of the project in three years.

The first of a two-phase Garden City Mall Project (13.8 acre land at Suame roundabout) expected to be completed in December next year, will also have cinema and Water Park.

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Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu the second, is optimistic the era of shopping malls in Kumasi will end selling under unhygienic conditions.

“As we all aware, the age of selling under unpaid and unhygienic conditions in the metropolis is coming to an end”.

Otumfuo believes this will harmonize the socio-economic development.

Asokore Mamponghene, Nana Boakye Ansah Debrah who spoke for him at the groundbreaking for Garden City Mall said, “I can firmly mention that…the project will greatly minimize the congestion at the central business district that is allowing decentralization of purchase goods and services” the Asante overlord said.

The 130 million dollar project is being funded by the German Development Bank with a 20 million dollar loan component from EOWAS Bank for Investment.

Administrative Bishop of the Methodist Church, Right Rev. Dr. Kwaku Asamoah-Okyere says the initiative underscores the church’s conviction that religion and economics are inseparable.

“The Church is affirming a conviction that has always been at the heart of its commitment to relevance; it is this, faith and economics are inseparable”.

As a faith community, the church believes it has a contribution to make in respect of the economic life of the community.

So its partnership to this multi-million dollar venture must speak volumes to this conviction.

Chief Executive Officer of the Garden City Mall, Alex Kwasi Bruks is convinced that the traditional market hub of Kumasi is about to be transformed.

“…it is an outlet of convenience and entertainment for the whole family and the 500,000 people who pass through Kumasi every day”.

The supposed architecture of the mall gives much to be desired; with an underground parking space, extensive garden, and a flowing stream.

Project officials explain that the stream is partially fed by ground water that is expressed on site as a natural well.

“The architecture treatment of the building also reflects its Garden City theme,…reflects its heritage by the inclusion of several green features everywhere,” he indicated.