Golden Star Appoints Chris Thompson as Chairman of the Board of Directors

DENVER, COLORADO -- (Marketwire) -- 12/20/10 -- Golden Star Resources Ltd. (TSX: GSC)(NYSE Amex: GSS)(GSE: GSR) ('Golden Star' or the 'Company') announced today that Christopher Thompson has been appointed Chairman of the Board to succeed Ian MacGregor who will continue to serve as a member of the Board. Mr. Thompson joined the Board in February, 2010. Mr. Thompson has over 40 years of experience in the mining industry and was a founder and President of Castle Group Inc., a privately owned gold mining investment management firm, from 1987 to 1998. Subsequently he served as Chairman and CEO of Gold Fields Limited from 1998 until 2002 and as Chairman from 2002 through 2005. Since then Mr. Thompson has served as a director of several public and private companies including Teck Resources Limited. He was Chairman of the World Gold Council from 2002 to 2005, which, under his leadership, created and marketed the first gold ETFs ('exchange traded funds').

'We are very pleased that Chris Thompson will bring his considerable expertise and experience to his new position as Chairman.' commented Tom Mair, President and CEO. 'I would also like to thank Ian MacGregor, whose services will continue to be made available to us as a Board member, for his contribution during the six years he served as Golden Star's Chairman.'

COMPANY PROFILE

Golden Star holds a 90% equity interest in Golden Star (Bogoso/Prestea) Limited and Golden Star (Wassa) Limited, which respectively own the Bogoso/Prestea and Wassa/HBB open-pit gold mines in Ghana. In addition, Golden Star has an 81% interest in the currently inactive Prestea Underground mine in Ghana, as well as gold exploration interests elsewhere in Ghana, in other parts of West Africa and in Brazil in South America. Golden Star has approximately 258 million shares outstanding.

Contacts:

GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.

Bruce Higson-Smith

Vice President Corporate Development

1 800 553 8436


GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.

Anne Hite

Investor Relations Manager

1 800 553 8436