Obuasi

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Obuasi is a town situated in southern Ghana, nestled in a hilly region approximately 100 miles (160 km) away from Accra. The town’s development was spurred by the discovery of a substantial gold deposit in 1897 and the construction of a railway from Sekondi in 1902. The Asante gold mine in Obuasi maintained its position as the country’s primary gold producer, outlasting others that were depleted. Renowned for its high yield per ton of ore, it stands among the world’s most lucrative gold mines. By the close of the 20th century, it had become the 10th largest gold mine globally.

While mining plays a dominant role, Obuasi’s economy has diversified through commerce and cocoa production. The town’s population has grown due to migrant labour influx from northern Ghana and neighbouring countries. In the surrounding areas, agriculture revolves around cash crops, necessitating the importation of food and other essentials for the predominantly industrial workforce in the town. A mosque serves the Muslim community. As of 2000, the population was 115,564, increasing to 143,644 by 2010.

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More about this place

Obuasi is a gold mining town and is the capital of the Obuasi Municipal District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It lies in the southern part of the Obuasi Municipal and is located about 39 mi (63 km) from Kumasi. As of 2012, the town has a population of 175,043 people. The current mayor (executive chief) of the town is Hon. Elijah Adansi-Bonah.

Obuasi is home to the Obuasi Gold Mine, one of the largest known gold deposits on Earth. The Gold Coast region was named after the large amount of gold mined, historically at Obuasi and the bordering Ashanti Region.

History

The area which makes up Obuasi have historically been mined for multiple centuries. The town became an important economic center after the discovery of a large gold deposit in 1897 and the building of a railway from Sekondi in 1902.

Administration

Obuasi has a mayor–council form of government. The mayor, or executive chief, is appointed/approved by the town council, the Obuasi Municipal Assembly and the president of Ghana. The current mayor of the town is Hon. Elijah Adansi-Bonah.

Demographics

About 81.7% of the population is Christian, of which 33.2% are Pentecostal/Charismatic, 19.7% are Protestant, 14% is Catholic while 14.8% are other Christians. This is followed by Islam (13.3%), traditional religions (0.2%), other religions (0.7%), and people who don't reside with any religion (4.1%).

Economy

Obuasi is known for the Obuasi Gold Mine, one of the largest underground gold mines in the world. It is operated by AngloGold Ashanti. Gold has been mined on the site since the late 19th century. Most of the production at the mine stopped in 2014 after being placed under care and maintenance. In 2018, a redevelopment project began to help increase production at the site. It is currently in its 3th phase and is expected to be completed by late-2024. Other major economic sectors in the town include timber, blacksmithing, and small-scale agriculture.

Transportation

Obuasi train station is on the Ashanti railway line to and from Kumasi (59.4 km (36.9 mi) or 1 hour 2 minutes south-west of Kumasi). The only airport in the town is the Obuasi Airport. It has a runway length of 1,600 by 30 m (5,249 by 98 ft) and was developed from a former airstrip. It was inaugurated on 30 August 2012 and is operated by Gianair on behalf of the owners.

Geography

Location

Obuasi is located in the Obuasi Municipal which has a total land mass of 220.7 km² (85.2 sq mi). The municipal is bordered by Adansi South to the south, Amansie West to the west and northwest, and to the east and northeast, Adansi North.

Climate

Obuasi has a semi-equatorial tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw) with two rainy seasons. The main rainy season is from March to July, with May and June being typically the year's wettest months, whilst a lighter rainy season occurs from September to November. The average annual rainfall in Obuasi is around 1,270 millimetres or 50 inches and the average temperature 26.5 °C or 79.7 °F with highs of 30 °C or 86 °F and lows of 23 °C or 73.4 °F. Relative humidity is around 75% - 80% in the wet seasons.

Human resources

Education

Obuasi is the site of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, a coeducational second cycle public high school. Christ the King Catholic Senior High School, St. Margaret Senior High School, and the College of Integrated Health Care are other schools that can be found in the town. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology also has a campus in the town.

Health

The town is home to numerus healthcare facilities, such as the AGA Hospital, owned and operated by AngloGold Ashanti, and St. Jude Hospital, owned by Dr George Owusu-Asiedu.

Sports

Obuasi has a golf course, which hosts the annual Obuasi Captain's Golf Tournament. The Ashanti Gold Sporting Club, a professional football club, is located in the town and is based at Len Clay Stadium.