Farmers and the business community have been handed a new lease of life with the launch of Esoko, a market information exchange system which was launched in Accra Tuesday. Formerly known as TradeNet, Esoko is a comprehensive platform that allows fair trade amongst buyers and producers. It is based around the concept of market networks which serve as the true reflection of the real market. These networks are made up of associations, businesses, informal groups of traders, regional projects or any group or entity that wants to exchange market information. With this system which can easily be assessed on any mobile phone, anyone can get top commodities and price results from all over the country giving them a better a bargaining power. The launch which was attended by people from the formal and informal sector was held at the plush Esoko building located at the Ring Road Central. Esoko which means E- electronic and Soko – market (in Swahili) started as a project in 2004 and since its inception; it has laid a strong foundation and presence in 15 countries including Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali and Cote Ivoire. According to Mark Davies, CEO of Esoko Networks, Esoko since its inception has given farmers in some of the country’s remote areas a better bargaining power and profits that range from 40 to 80 percent on their produces than they did before. “It is really a dramatic change in how they run their businesses…it’s a movement of power; It’s giving farmers power…,” he said. Mark Davis told Myjoyonline.com in an interview that, the system started in Ghana with TechnoServe and that Ghana is leading the way for the continent. He indicated that after this launch, they will be rolling out several activities and initiatives to get Esoko and its services to farmers and the general public. Mark pointed out that business on Esoko is not confined to Ghana but available several countries and due to its reach and benefits, farmers can now look at higher profits and opportunities. Story by Ernest Dela Aglanu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana