The maiden Ofie Market Experience is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Amanokrom Community Centre Park in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The initiative is the brainchild of Akuapem North Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Kwabena Awuku, popularly known as Sammi Awuku.
The innovative market aims to reduce post-harvest losses and provide consumers with fresh, organic produce at farm-gate prices. It is designed to connect hardworking farmers with consumers, ensuring that fresh produce reaches homes while helping farmers and traders earn more for their efforts.
The market was officially launched on February 17, 2025, where Sammi Awuku explained that the initiative seeks to address the challenges farmers face 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 stated.
The Ofie Market has garnered significant support from the community, with over 500 farmers and 300 market queens already on board.
The coordinator, Barimah Awuah Sarpong Asiedu–Larbi Esq, noted that a playground will also be available for children accompanying their parents to shop.
“Vendors will come and sell their foods. We urge all to come and buy, and there will be a funfair with all kinds of foodstuffs available,” he stated.
The Ofie 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.
The event is being organized in collaboration with the Municipal Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and has received widespread community support.
Mr. Asiedu-Larbi emphasized the importance of the project in addressing post-harvest losses and creating a ready market for both farmers and market women.
“This project is about creating a platform where farmers, after harvesting, can bring their produce to the market, where there will be buyers,” he disclosed.
After the maiden event, the Ofie Market will be held on the last Saturday of every month, with farmers and their produce transported from various farming communities to the Amanokrom Community Centre, providing them with a reliable market.
The market will open at 6 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Organizers have also arranged transportation for all farmers within Akuapem North with produce ready for sale.
On security arrangements, Mr. Asiedu-Larbi assured that police personnel, supported by private security, will be present to ensure the safety of patrons.
“We have police personnel who will be guarding the car park, supported by private security personnel. MTTD officers will also be on standby to direct traffic, and a children’s playground has been created for market women’s children with adequate security,” he assured.