This weekend, the long-awaited Akuapem “Ofie Market” will finally take off at Amanokrom in the Akuapem North Constituency of the Eastern Region.
The brainchild of Member of Parliament for the area, Samuel Kwabena Awuku, popularly known as Sammi Awuku, this innovative market aims to reduce post-harvest losses and provide consumers with fresh, organic produce at farm-gate prices.
The idea behind the Ofie Market is to connect hardworking farmers with consumers, ensuring that fresh produce reaches homes while also helping farmers and traders earn more for their efforts.
During the launch of the event, which took off last month, Sammi Awuku explained that the market is designed to address the challenges faced by farmers in the constituency, particularly post-harvest losses.
“Farmers’ post-harvest losses have been a major concern for us. We wanted to create a platform where farmers can sell their produce directly to consumers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring better prices,” he explained.
The Ofie Market has garnered significant support from the community, with over 500 farmers and 300 market queens already on board.
The market will be held on the last Saturday of every month at the Amanokrom Durbar Grounds and will feature a playground for kids, food vendors, and a wide range of organic produce.
The market is scheduled to take off on March 29, 2025, at the Amanokrom Community Centre Park, from 6 am to 6 pm.
The coordinator of the event, Barimah Awuah Sarpong Asiedu–Larbi, explained, “There will also be playing grounds for children who will come along with their parents to shop”.
He said, “Vendors will come and sell their foods. We urge all to come and buy, and there will be funfair and sales of all kinds of foodstuffs available.”
The Ofie Market is more than just a place to buy food; it’s about improving lives, supporting local farmers, and making organic produce affordable for everyone.
The event is in collaboration with the Municipal Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and has received widespread support from the community.
However, the organizers urge all and sundry to come and buy from the market and to support local farmers and traders.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
