city, southwestern Ghana, western Africa. It is situated about 120 miles (190 km) west of Accra. Located in a predominantly agricultural and mining region, it is a marketing centre for rice, cassava, bananas, rubber, sugar, corn (maize), cocoa, copra, palm kernels, and kola nuts. The city's industries produce various building materials and consumer goods. Gold mining in the area dates back to the 10th century AD, and other minerals extracted include manganese, bauxite, diamonds, iron ore, asbestos, and chromite. Tarkwa is the headquarters of a sheep-breeding project, and a sheep and goat disease investigation centre is located there. Pop. (2000) 30,631.