In a commendable effort to address the issue of high food prices and ensure food security for the citizens, the Regional Department of Agriculture in the Ashanti Region organized the inaugural PFJ (Planting for Food and Jobs) Market. Following the success of the National PFJ Market launched in the Greater Accra Region, this initiative aimed to replicate the positive outcomes in the Ashanti Region.
The PFJ Market, which took place from December 13th to 18th, 2022, offered a valuable platform for producers, sellers, and buyers to come together and engage in trade. The market, conveniently located at the Jubilee Park, Kumasi, also had two additional centers at the Suame Roundabout and Bantama market, allowing for wider accessibility.
One of the key highlights of the PFJ Market was the significant difference in prices compared to the open market in the region. The Regional Department of Agriculture diligently monitored and recorded the prices of various food items both at the PFJ Market and the open market. Here’s a comparison of prices:
| NO | ITEM | PFJ MARKET PRICE | OPEN MARKET PRICE |
| 1 | PLANTAIN (APEM) (8.2 KG) | GHS 25 | (8.1KG) GHS 40 |
| 2 | PLANTAIN (APENTU) (7.9KG) | GHS 20 | (7.4KG) GHS 20 |
| 3 | PLANTAIN (APENTU) 10SINGLES (3.3 KG) | GHS 5 | (1.4KG) GHS 5 |
| 4 | GARI OLONKA (2KG) | GHS 14 | (3KG) GHS 20 |
| 5 | COWPEA WHITE (2.6 KG) | GHS 28 | (2.5KG) GHS 35 |
| 6 | CUCUMBER 3PICS (1KG) | GHS 5 | (1KG) GHS 8 |
| 7 | LUTTUCE (0.3KG) | GHS 2 | (0.2KG) GHS 5 |
| 8 | CARROT (1.4KG) | GHS 10 | (1.3KG) GHS 10 |
| 9 | LOCAL RICE (25KG) | GHS 350 | (25KG) GHS 400 |
The price comparisons clearly demonstrate the benefits of the PFJ Market, as consumers could purchase various food items at significantly lower prices compared to the open market. This initiative provided relief to citizens struggling with high food prices, making essential food items more affordable and accessible.
The success of the PFJ Market can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Regional Department of Agriculture, producers, sellers, and buyers. By bringing stakeholders together under one roof, the market not only facilitated trade but also fostered stronger relationships within the agricultural community.
In addition to addressing the issue of high food prices, the PFJ Market also promoted local agricultural produce and supported the growth of the regional economy. The market served as a platform to showcase the abundance of quality food items available in the Ashanti Region.
The presence of producers and sellers allowed visitors to directly interact with the individuals responsible for growing and cultivating the food they consume. This connection fostered a deeper appreciation for local agriculture and encouraged the support of homegrown products.
The PFJ Market not only benefited consumers but also provided a boost to the regional economy. By promoting local agricultural produce, the market created a market space for farmers to sell their products and generate income. This, in turn, contributed to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in the Ashanti Region. The increased demand for local products also incentivized farmers to expand their operations, leading to enhanced productivity and economic prosperity.
Furthermore, the PFJ Market served as an avenue to educate the public about the importance of sustainable farming practices and the significance of supporting local agriculture. Workshops and seminars were conducted during the event, offering valuable insights into modern agricultural techniques, post-harvest management, and food processing. These knowledge-sharing sessions aimed to empower farmers with the necessary skills and information to improve their agricultural practices and increase their yields.
The success of the maiden PFJ Market in the Ashanti Region has set a positive precedent for future events of its kind. The Regional Department of Agriculture plans to make the PFJ Market a regular occurrence, providing a recurring platform for producers, sellers, and buyers to engage in mutually beneficial transactions. The continuation of such markets will not only alleviate the burden of high food prices but also strengthen the agricultural sector, foster economic growth, and promote food security in the region.
As the inaugural PFJ Market came to a close on the 18th of December, it left a lasting impression on both participants and visitors. The success of the event has ignited optimism and enthusiasm within the agricultural community, reaffirming the potential of local initiatives in addressing pressing challenges such as high food prices. The Regional Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, remains committed to nurturing the PFJ Market and expanding its impact in the Ashanti Region.
In conclusion, the maiden PFJ Market in the Ashanti Region proved to be a resounding success in mitigating the impact of high food prices on citizens. By offering lower-priced food items compared to the open market, promoting local agricultural produce, and supporting the regional economy, the market created a win-win situation for producers and consumers alike. The PFJ Market served as a platform to showcase the abundance of quality food items available in the Ashanti Region and emphasized the importance of supporting local agriculture. With the potential for future iterations of this market, the Ashanti Region is poised to continue its journey towards enhanced food security, economic growth, and sustainable agricultural practices.