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A new satellite market, Ofie Market, has been launched in Amanokrom to reduce post-harvest losses and empower farmers in the Akwapem North Municipality.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Member of Parliament, Hon. Sammi Awuku, aims to support 500 smallholder farmers and 300 traders by providing a direct platform for trading fresh produce. Scheduled for the last Saturday of every month, the market will help farmers sell their goods more efficiently while ensuring consumers have access to fresh, locally grown products.
To further support farmers, the initiative includes a financial relief package, offering loans at a reduced 5% interest rate. MP Sammi Awuku has committed to personally covering 25% of the interest to ease financial pressure on farmers, enabling them to expand their farms and increase productivity.
The Akwapem North Municipal Agriculture Director, Ibrahim S. Alidu, emphasized the importance of strengthening agribusiness and market linkages to reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs, and improve local economic growth. He highlighted that the Ofie Market initiative would enhance efficiency and profitability for smallholder farmers and traders, ultimately improving household incomes and nutrition in the municipality.
The Amonokrom chief, who also serves as the Okuapem Gyaasehene, expressed concern over the staggering impact of post-harvest losses on the local economy. He urged stakeholders to prioritize sustainable solutions to enhance food security and boost farming communities.
MP Sammi Awuku reaffirmed his commitment to economic empowerment, stating that access to affordable credit and improved market linkages would help farmers and traders thrive. He noted that while the government cannot provide everything, initiatives like Ofie Market serve as a catalyst for financial stability and business growth within the constituency.
The Akwapem North Municipality, largely agrarian, currently relies on the Adawso Market as its main trading hub. The introduction of Ofie Market is expected to bridge market gaps, strengthen agricultural value chains, and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers and traders.
Source : 3news /re- edited by Agriwatchgh
