Chairman of Kumasi City Mal Kofi Sekyere, has revealed the crucial role played by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in the establishment of the mall in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
Sekyere recounted that during one of Otumfuo’s visits to South Africa, where he was based, the Asantehene advised him, as a true son of the Golden Stool, to build the mall in Kumasi rather than Accra. Otumfuo assured him of his full support to make the project a reality.
He explained, “Otumfuo used to visit South Africa frequently. On one such visit, he told me, ‘Kofi, if you want to build a mall, it should not be in Accra but in Kumasi, and I will ensure it happens’.”
Motivated by Otumfuo’s conviction, Sekyere brought his business partners to meet the Asantehene in South Africa.
“I then brought my partners to meet him in South Africa, and he promised to provide all necessary support to realize the mall in Kumasi”.
Sekyere emphasized the Asantehene’s pivotal role, highlighting that Otumfuo made land available for the mall, which enabled the acquisition of surrounding lands.
He stated “True to his word, the land he made available made it possible for us to even start discussions to acquire the surrounding lands, so he was quite central to it. Even after providing the land, there were legal issues that were taking a while to resolve”.
With the legal challenges which delayed progress, he added that Otumfuo intervened personally to resolve them swiftly.
Sekyere remarked “On one visit, he asked me, ‘Kofi, how come this thing is dragging and dragging?’ I explained that we had some legal issues. He then asked, ‘What legal issues? Please come and see me when we get back to Ghana.’ So, I went to see him, and within a week, the whole issue was resolved. The road was clear for us to get the paperwork, and that triggered Kumasi Mall”.
“Without him, this project would not have been possible,” Kofi Sekyere concluded with gratitude.
The Kumasi City Mall, which cost $95 million and covers 18,500 square meters, is the first modern shopping mall in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region.
Construction began in June 2014 after Otumfuo cut the sod for the project and was completed in April 2017, with the official opening held on May 10, 2017.
The mall features major tenants such as Shoprite, P2 Lounge and 1999, and its design reflects Ashanti culture and environment.
It also includes a food court named in honor of Otumfuo’s mother, the late Queenmother Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II, recognizing the royal family’s support for the project.
Kumasi City Mall stands as a symbol of economic growth and cultural pride for Kumasi, largely due to the Asantehene’s vision and unwavering support throughout its development.
Source: www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
