Melcom Group of Companies plans to venture into housing construction as part of the company’s long-term expansion drive.The company has over the years grown from a trading supermarket to a manufacturing entity. In addition to been sole agent for world class brands in household appliances, Melcom currently produces household plastic goods and assembles electronic products.Chairman of the Melcom Group, Bhagwan R. Khubchandani, says Ghana’s investment policy has encouraged the company to embark on an expansion programme. He was speaking at the official opening of Melcom’s new shopping complex at Ahodwo in Kumasi.“Within the next few months, we’ll be opening a large shop at Madina and a bigger shop at Tema. Our future plans include large malls at Kumasi and Accra. With more stores opening, our variety is bound to increase to over 10,000, offering our customers greater variety”, said Mr. Khubchandani.The new shopping complex is expected to stimulate economic development and contribute to the decongestion of Kumasi’s central business district. Melcom has secured land to construct a third store in the metropolis.Ashanti regional Minister, Kofi Opoku-Manu and Kumasi Mayor, Samuel Sarpong respectively called on entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the Kumasi market.The new Melcom shopping complex was commissioned by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. He observed that encouraging private enterprises to thrive is the way to go in creating employment for the youth.The Otumfuo entreated chiefs to be development-oriented by allocating parcels of land to corporate and individual investors to establish businesses.Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh