More to buy and sell as Ofie Market Experience comes alive this Saturday at Amanokrom Community Centre Park

The highly anticipated Ofie Market Experience debuts this Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Amanokrom Community Centre Park in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The initiative, spearheaded by Member of Parliament for the area, Samuel Kwabena Awuku, popularly known as Sammi Awuku, is designed to reduce post-harvest losses and provide consumers with fresh, organic produce at farm-gate prices.

The Ofie Market aims to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, ensuring that fresh produce reaches homes while giving farmers and traders better financial returns.

During the market's launch last month, Sammi Awuku emphasized its importance in addressing key challenges faced by local farmers, particularly the high rate of 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 stated.

The Ofie Market has already garnered strong community support, with over 500 farmers and 300 market queens signing up to participate.

The event coordinator, Barimah Awuah Sarpong Asiedu–Larbi Esq, highlighted additional activities planned for the day.

"There will also be a playground for children who come along with their parents to shop," he noted.

He further urged the public to take part, saying:

"Vendors will bring a variety of foodstuffs for sale. We encourage everyone to come, shop, and enjoy the funfair while supporting our hardworking farmers."

Beyond being a marketplace, the Ofie Market is a social and economic empowerment project, dedicated to improving livelihoods, supporting local farmers, and making organic produce more accessible.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Municipal Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and has gained widespread support from the community.

A Monthly Market to Boost Local Farming

According to Barima Asiedu-Larbi, the Ofie Market will be a monthly event, taking place on the last Saturday of each month. He explained that arrangements have been made to transport farmers and their produce from various farming communities to the market venue.

"This market will happen once a month, mostly on the last Saturday. Farmers from nearby communities will be transported to the market to sell their produce. The market will start at 6 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. We have also arranged transportation for all farmers within Akuapem North who have produce ready for sale," he added.

Security Measures in Place
To ensure safety, police personnel and private security teams will be deployed at the market venue.

"We have police personnel guarding the car park, supported by private security officers. The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will also be on standby to direct traffic. Additionally, we have created a children’s playground with adequate security for the children of market women," he assured.

With its strong community support, security measures, and commitment to reducing post-harvest losses, the Ofie Market Experience is set to become a major hub for fresh produce and economic empowerment in Akuapem North.