thumb|[[Geological map of the Tarkwa gold district in Ghana showing significant folding and faulting]]
thumb|The [[Mali Empire in 1337, including the location of the Bambuk, Bure, Lobi and Akan Goldfields]]
Tarkwa is a town and is the capital of Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal District, a district in the Western Region southwest of South Ghana. Frequently dubbed as the "Golden City" by its indigenous populace, the region is characterized by a rich tapestry of Fante communities, among which include Efuanta, Tamso, Aboso, Akoon, Nzemaline, and Kwabedu.
Tarkwa has a population of 218,664 people according to 2021 settlement.
Economy
Mining
Tarkwa is noted as a centre of gold mining and manganese mining. Tarkwa mine, which is a large open-cast gold mine, is situated to the northwest of the town, and Nsuta manganese mine is situated to the east of the town. Tarkwa Mine mines several low-grade conglomeratic "reefs" of Tarkwaian type.
Tarkwa Mine has the distinction of being one of the largest gold mines in South Ghana. Approximately 24 tons of gold is produced annually, and 100 million tons of earth is moved to achieve this production rate. The Iduapriem Gold Mine is also located near Tarkwa, 10 km south of the town. The Tarkwa Goldfield was discovered a few years before the Witwatersrand Goldfield in South Africa.
There are a number of accidents that have occurred in mining sites in Tarkwa with the latest being recorded on Saturday, September 23, 2023, when a pit caved in, killing 7 people.
Though mining is common in Tarkwa, some areas such as Ndumfri forest reserve are restricted from any mining activity and 3 people were jailed over 60 years for mining in a restricted area in September 2023.
Climate
<div style="width:65%">
</div>
Education
High schools
Tarkwa Senior High School (TARSCO) and Fiaseman Senior High School (FIASEC) are located in Tarkwa.
Transport
Train
Tarkwa is a junction railway station and is served by Tarkwa Train Station on the Ghana Railway Corporation. Politically, it has consistently supported the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has won the parliamentary seat in the last five consecutive elections. The constituency's political landscape is marked by high voter turnout and a history of strong support for the NPP.
During election periods, the area sees active engagement from candidates representing various political parties. It was considered a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for nearly three decades, however, in the 2024 elections, the seat was won by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Member of Parliament
- Issah Taylor
- George Mireku Duker (2008–2024)
Tourism
Waterfall
- UMaT Waterfalls
See also
- Railway stations in Ghana
- Geology of Ghana
- Birimian
- Akan goldweights