Sunyani(BA), July 24, GNA - Work would soon commence on a one-million-Ghana cedis ultra modern shopping complex by management of Melcom Group of Companies in the central business of Sunyani. The three storey mall, expected to be completed within 12 months would offer customers the company's stock of more than 5,000 items.

Mr Mahesh Arjanaas Melwani, Managing Director of Melcom who cut the sod to commence work said it would afford customers in Brong-Ahafo Region, the opportunity to access the company's numerous products without travelling to Kumasi or Accra. He said about 100 youth in the municipality would be employed as sales attendants and fulfil the company's objective to bring shopping to the doorsteps of customers.

Mr Melwani said in fulfilment of its legal responsibilities, the company had contributed to the country's socio-economic development through the payment of import duties, VAT and company taxes and paid about nine million Ghana cedis as taxes to government last year. He said because of its reputation Melcom had been the representative of many world class brands of items including Sanyo, Hitachi, Akai, Maxell, Yamaha, Cello, Optima, Thermos and Motorola. Mr Melwani announced that plans were underway to establish its biggest mall in Accra by next April and had provided direct employment to more than 1,200 Ghanaians nation-wide.

Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, noted that the laudable policies of Government to ensure sound economic environment had attracted many investors into the country. He gave the assurance that Government would continue to strive and work hard to stabilize the economy for the private sector to thrive. Mr Baffour-Awuah urged Ghanaians to rally behind the government and vote massively for the NPP in Election 2008.

Mr Kwame Twumasi-Awuah, Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive explained that the land for the project became vacant after the assembly re-located the Stadium Primary and Junior High School to a more conducive area that would facilitate effective teaching and learning. He said management of the company negotiated with the assembly and paid a commitment fee of 60,000 Ghana cedis but the assembly did not sell the land to them.

Mr Twumasi-Awuah said as part of the company's social responsibility, it had presented exercise books worth 2,000 Ghana cedis for distribution to pupils of Stadium Primary School and was optimistic the company would be granted a business operation permit and pay property rate regularly.

Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri, Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Area, was optimistic that the shopping mall would serve as a catalyst for brisk economic activities in the municipality. Melcom established in 1988, opened its first retail store in Accra Central in 1990 followed by stores in Kumasi, Takoradi, Tema, Tamale, Cape Coast, Sunyani, Swedru, Hohoe and Kasoa. 24 July 08