Kumasi, Sept. 4, GNA- Radio Mercury, a private FM station in Kumasi, will organise the first Ashanti Shopping Festival dubbed "ASHOFEST 2003" in Kumasi from September 24 to 7th October 2003. The two-week fair, which will be supported by the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is expected to expose a variety of products manufactured in Ashanti.

Briefing the press in Kumasi on Wednesday, Mr Prince Christopher, Business Development Manager of Radio Mercury, said about 300 exhibitors from Ashanti will showcase their products, ranging from jewelleries, aluminium products, cosmetics, textiles, to electrical appliances, food and beverages.

He said both manufacturers and retailers will take part in the shopping festival and asked interested firms and individuals to register at the offices of TV3, Kapital Radio and Radio Mercury. Mr Christopher said there will be durbars of chiefs from the various districts of Ashanti to portray the region's rich culture.