The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at boosting economic prospects of his constituents.
The initiative, dubbed “Ofie Market,” is designed to reduce post-harvest losses and bring fresh, organic farm produce directly to consumers at cheaper prices.
Speaking at the well-attended event held at Amanokrom Durbar Grounds, Sammi Awuku, explained that the market will connect hardworking farmers with consumers, ensuring that fresh produce reaches homes while also helping farmers and traders earn more for their efforts.
The OFIE market will be held on the last Saturday of every month at the Amanokrom Durbar Grounds.
Sammi Awuku expressed his excitement about the project, stating that it has the backing of 500 farmers and 300 market queens in the constituency who are ready to make it a success.
He emphasized that the market is more than just a place to buy food; it is about improving lives, supporting local farmers, and making organic produce affordable for everyone.
He quoted Nana Osim Kwatia, the Gyaasehene of Okuapeman, who said that just as people see the private sector as the engine of growth, farmers are the true backbone of the economy and the true engine of growth for the nation.
In addition to the Ofie Market initiative, Sammi Awuku has also been working on providing economic empowerment for his constituents.
He has linked up with the Akuapem Rural Bank to facilitate access to credit for entrepreneurs and small-scale enterprises.
He believes that getting access to credit is not an easy thing, and he is committed to helping his constituents overcome this challenge.
To achieve this, Sammi Awuku has worked out modalities with the bank to raise seed money of GHC1 million to help traders in the constituency.
He has also decided to help raise 25% of the interest on the loan, which is normally 30%. This, he believes, will help traders who have no collateral to access credit.
Sammi Awuku’s commitment to his constituents’ economic prosperity is evident in his efforts to provide support for teachers and health professionals in the constituency.
He has made a firm commitment to help them access credit from a fund that will be set up by the middle of the year. This fund will provide seed money for teachers and health professionals to improve their living conditions.
Awuku’s initiatives demonstrate his dedication to bringing economic prosperity to his constituents.
The excitement on the faces of the Chiefs, farmers, traders and the constituents gathered did not go unnoticed.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
