Obuasi
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.
