THE BIGGEST shopping mall ever to be built in the country worth a staggering $48 million, is expected to be constructed in Kumasi next year.

Christened ‘Garden City Shopping Mall,’ the giant edifice is the brainchild of Retail and Realty (R&R) in collaboration with the Methodist Church of Ghana.

To be situated close to the Suame Roundabout in Kumasi, the three-storey shopping mall would have amenities such as shops, car park and escalators.

The CEO of Garden City Mall, Alex Brucks disclosed that construction work would start in 2012 after the rainy season and would be completed within 18 months.

Speaking at a colorful event on Tuesday to unveil the project, he said the Garden City Mall would help change the face of Kumasi upon completion.

Mr. Brucks noted that construction of the project would provide jobs for the youth, adding that about 2,000 Ghanaians are expected to be employed at the facility when it was completed.

The Methodist Church of Ghana is providing 23 acres of land while R&R, the managers of Accra Mall and their partners are providing the financial component.

Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel K. Asante, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, said the Methodist Church has been playing vital roles to transform the country since its emergence in Ghana 175 years ago

He mentioned the construction of schools and hospitals as some of the landmark projects the Methodist Church had contributed in the past to develop the country.

Most Rev. Asante said construction of the biggest shopping mall in the country would open a new chapter in the church’s commitment to national development.

He sternly cautioned traders that were sacked from the Race Course who have besieged the construction site to quickly move to pave way for the project to begin.

The Asantehene’s representative, Nana Boakye Ansah Debrah, Asokore Mamponghene pledged that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asanteman would contribute to make the project a success.

The KMA boss, Samuel Sarpong on his part noted that the project would promote tourism, job opportunities for a chunk of the populace and also beautify the city.

Expressing his delight about the Garden City Shopping Mall, he said the assembly would do everything in its power to make it a reality.