[2][3] It lies in the southern part of the Obuasi Municipal and is located about 39 mi (63 km) from Kumasi.

[3] 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.

The mayor, or executive chief, is appointed/approved by the town council, the Obuasi Municipal Assembly and the president of Ghana.

[8] Other major economic sectors in the town include timber, blacksmithing, and small-scale agriculture.

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.

[12] The town is home to numerus healthcare facilities, such as the AGA Hospital, owned and operated by AngloGold Ashanti, and St. Jude Hospital,[13] owned by Dr George Owusu-Asiedu.