Amanokrom Akuapem witnessed a groundbreaking event on Saturday, February 15, 2025, as the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Sammi Awuku, officially launched the Ofie Market Initiative.
The initiative is designed to provide a direct marketplace for farmers to sell their produce, effectively reducing post-harvest losses and creating opportunities for traders within the municipality. The project aims to empower local farmers by ensuring that their hard work translates into financial gains while also providing consumers with fresh, affordable produce.
The Ofie Market will be held once every month, enabling farmers to sell their produce at farm-gate prices while attracting buyers from Accra and beyond. This move is expected to boost economic activity in the region, with a wide range of products, including livestock, food crops, and other locally produced goods, being made available. By creating a direct link between producers and consumers, the initiative seeks to eliminate the activities of middlemen, who often increase costs for final buyers and reduce earnings for farmers. This will help stabilize local food prices and ensure equitable distribution of profits within the agricultural supply chain.
During the launch, Hon. Awuku reaffirmed his commitment to supporting farmers in increasing their yields to meet the anticipated demand from the Ofie Market. He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance agricultural productivity and market access for local producers. To further sustain and expand agricultural activities, he revealed that discussions are underway with financial institutions to introduce interest-free loan schemes aimed at supporting farmers and market traders in expanding their businesses. This financial support is expected to enable farmers to purchase essential inputs such as fertilizers, improved seedlings, and equipment necessary for large-scale production.
Additionally, the MP underscored ongoing infrastructural improvements, such as the rehabilitation of roads linking Mangoase to Adawso and Larteh, which will enhance access to various farming communities and market centers. Improved transportation networks are crucial in ensuring that farm produce reaches the market in good condition, minimizing post-harvest losses that often occur due to poor road networks.
Sammy Awuku also announced plans for a coconut plantation initiative and a cassava plantation and processing project, both of which are expected to generate employment opportunities for the youth. The coconut plantation initiative will serve as a raw material supply for the growing coconut oil and beverage industries, while the cassava processing plant will facilitate value addition, enabling farmers to sell processed cassava products such as flour, starch, and gari, which fetch higher market prices. These projects will not only increase revenue for local farmers but also provide jobs for young people in processing, packaging, and distribution.
Beyond agriculture, the MP disclosed his intention to establish a welfare fund for teachers to enhance education in the municipality. He stressed the importance of investing in education as a means of securing the future of the region and ensuring long-term socio-economic development. To support student welfare, he shared news of a secured partnership with an American organization that will add four more schools to the School Feeding Program, ensuring that selected schools receive breakfast and lunch. This initiative is expected to improve student concentration and attendance rates, particularly for children from low-income families.
Nana Osim Kwatia II, Amanokromhene and Akwapim Gyasehene, who chaired the occasion, lauded Hon. Awuku for this visionary initiative and urged farmers to take full advantage of it. He particularly expressed appreciation for the MP’s plan to provide transportation for farm produce to the market, which he noted would significantly reduce costs for both farmers and consumers. Transportation has historically been one of the biggest challenges for farmers, and by addressing this issue, the Ofie Market will enable more farmers to participate actively and benefit from increased market access.
He further commended the proposed interest-free loan scheme and encouraged beneficiaries to repay their loans promptly to sustain the initiative for future traders and farmers. Sustainable financing mechanisms are critical in ensuring that this initiative remains operational for years to come, allowing more farmers and traders to benefit from it.
The launch event was graced by notable personalities, including the Amanokrom Traditional Council, Constituency Chairman Mr. Omane Bonsu, a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), the municipal best farmer, agricultural extension officers, the municipal agricultural director, farmers, and traders from across the municipality. Their presence underscored the broad-based support that the initiative has garnered within the community.
The maiden Ofie Market is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, and is expected to be a major economic boost for the region. The initiative is anticipated to attract traders from different parts of the country, including buyers from Accra, who can purchase fresh farm produce directly from farmers at competitive prices. This development is expected to enhance the profitability of local agricultural ventures and contribute to the overall economic growth of the municipality.
Hon. Awuku called on constituents to support the initiative as he works towards fulfilling his campaign promises aimed at improving livelihoods and economic development in the municipality. He emphasized that the success of the Ofie Market hinges on collective participation and cooperation from all stakeholders, including farmers, traders, transport operators, and consumers. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, the Ofie Market Initiative has the potential to become a model for agricultural transformation and rural economic development across Ghana.
