1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Through our 90% owned subsidiary Golden Star (Bogoso/Prestea) Ltd ("GSBPL") we own and operate the Bogoso/Prestea gold mining and processing operation ("Bogoso/Prestea") located near the town of Bogoso, Ghana. Through our 90% owned subsidiary Golden Star (Wassa) Ltd ("GSWL") we also own and operate the Wassa gold mine ("Wassa"), located approximately 35 kilometers east of Bogoso/Prestea. Wassa mines ore from pits near the Wassa plant and also processes ore mined at our Hwini-Butre and Benso ("HBB") mines located south of Wassa. We hold interests in several gold exploration projects in Ghana and elsewhere in West Africa including Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Niger and Côte d'Ivoire, and in South America we hold and manage exploration properties in Brazil.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Golden Star Resources Ltd ("Golden Star" or "Company") is a Canadian federally–incorporated, international gold mining and exploration company headquartered in the United States ("U.S."). Golden Star has, since its inception, reported to security regulators in both Canada and the U.S. using Canadian GAAP financial statements with a footnote reconciliation to generally accepted accounting principles used in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP"). However, a change in SEC position in late 2009 required Canadian companies such as Golden Star, that do not qualify as a foreign private issuer, to file their financial statements in the U.S. using U.S. GAAP after December 31, 2010. We therefore have adopted U.S. GAAP as of January 1, 2011 for all subsequent U.S. and Canadian filings. All comparative financial information is presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Since the U.S. GAAP financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q differ in certain respects from financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), Note 22 has been added to this Form 10-Q which presents our Consolidated Balance Sheets, Statements of Operations and Statements of Cash Flow as if we had adopted IFRS. This is done to facilitate comparison of our financial results to those of other mining companies that report in IFRS.

These unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented.

The results reported in these interim financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. Accordingly, these interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, including note 27, "Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States", filed on Form 10-K.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Since this is Golden Star's first SEC filing since adopting U.S. GAAP on January 1, 2011, a discussion of all significant accounting policies under U.S. GAAP is presented here:

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries, whether owned directly or indirectly. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. Subsidiaries are defined as entities in which the company holds a controlling interest, is the general partner or where it is subject to the majority of expected losses or gains. Our fiscal year-end is December 31.

USE OF ESTIMATES

Preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that can affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, deferred tax liabilities, and expenses. The more significant areas requiring the use of estimates include asset impairments, stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization of assets, and site reclamation and closure accruals. Accounting for these areas is subject to estimates and assumptions regarding, among other things, ore reserves, gold recoveries, future gold prices, future operating costs, asset usage rates, and future mining activities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, actual results may differ from our estimates.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash includes cash deposits in any currency residing in checking accounts, money market funds and sweep accounts. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less. Investments with maturities greater than three months and up to one year are classified as short-term investments, while those with maturities in excess of one year are classified as long-term investments. Cash equivalents and short-term investments are stated at cost, which typically approximates market value.

INVENTORIES

Inventory classifications include "stockpiled ore," "in-process inventory," "finished goods inventory" and "materials and supplies." All of our inventories, except materials and supplies, are recorded at the lower of weighted average cost or market. The stated value of all production inventories include direct production costs and attributable overhead and depreciation incurred to bring the materials to their current point in the processing cycle, except for our materials and supplies inventories. General and administrative costs for corporate offices are not included in any inventories.

Stockpiled ore represents coarse ore that has been extracted from the mine and is waiting processing. Stockpiled ore is measured by estimating the number of tonnes (via truck counts or by physical surveys) added to, or removed from the stockpile, the number of contained ounces (based on assay data) and estimated gold recovery percentage. Stockpiled ore value is based on the costs incurred (including depreciation and amortization) in bringing the ore to the stockpile. Costs are added to the stockpiled ore based on current mining costs per tonne and are removed at the average cost per tonne of ore in the stockpile.

In-process inventory represents material that is currently being treated in the processing plants to extract the contained gold and to transform it into a saleable product. The amount of gold in the in-process inventory is determined by assay and by measure of the quantities of the various gold-bearing materials in the recovery process. The in-process gold is valued at the average of the beginning inventory and the cost of material fed into the processing stream plus in-process conversion costs including applicable mine-site overhead, depreciation and amortization related to the processing facilities.

Finished goods inventory is composed of saleable gold in the form of doré bars that have been poured but not yet shipped from the mine site. The bars are valued at the lower of total cost or net realizable value. Included in the total costs are the direct costs of the mining and processing operations as well as direct mine-site overhead, amortization and depreciation.

Materials and supplies inventories consist mostly of equipment parts, fuel, lubricants and reagents consumed in the mining and ore processing activities. Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

ORE RESERVE QUANTITIES USED IN UNITS-OF-PRODUCTION AMORTIZATION

Gold ounces contained in stockpiled ore are excluded from total reserves when determining units-of-production amortization of mining property, asset retirement assets and other assets.

PROPERTY ACQUISITION, EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS

The initial acquisition costs of exploration and mining properties are capitalized. Subsequent exploration and development costs are expensed as incurred until such time as a feasibility study has been completed which establishes, in compliance with SEC Industry Standard Guide 7, that proven and probable reserves exist on the property. After proven and probable reserves have been established, subsequent exploration and development costs are capitalized until such time as a property is placed in-service. Following a property's in-service date, accumulated capitalized acquisition, exploration and development costs are reclassified as Mining Property assets and are subject to amortization when metal production begins.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment assets, including machinery, processing equipment, mining equipment, mine site facilities, buildings, vehicles and expenditures that extend the life of such assets are recorded at cost including acquisition and installation costs. The costs of self-constructed assets include direct construction costs and allocated interest during the construction phase. Indirect overhead costs are not included in the cost of self-constructed assets. Depreciation for mobile equipment and other assets having estimated lives shorter than the estimated life of the ore reserves, is computed using the straight-line method at rates calculated to depreciate the cost of the assets, less their anticipated residual values, if any, over their estimated useful lives.

MINING PROPERTIES

Mining property assets, including property acquisition costs, tailings dams, mine-site drilling costs where proven and probable reserves have been established, pre-production waste stripping, condemnation drilling, roads, feasibility studies and wells are recorded at cost. The costs of self-constructed assets include direct construction costs, a share of direct mine-site overhead costs and allocated interest during the construction phase. Indirect overhead costs are not included in the cost of self-constructed assets. Drilling costs incurred during the production phase for operational ore control are allocated to inventory costs and then included in cost of sales.

Mineral property acquisition, exploration and development costs, buildings, processing plants and other long-lived assets which have an estimated life equal to or greater than the estimated life of the ore reserves, are amortized over the life of the proven and probable reserves of the associated mining property using a units-of-production amortization method. The net book value of property, plant and equipment assets at property locations is charged against income if the site is abandoned and it is determined that the assets cannot be economically transferred to another project or sold.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

We review and evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at least annually and also when events or changes in circumstances indicate the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An asset impairment is considered to exist if an asset's recoverable value is less than its carrying value as recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. In most cases an asset's recoverable value is assumed to be equal to the sum of the asset's expected future cash flows on an undiscounted basis. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows does not exceed the asset's carrying value, an impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows from the asset. Future cash flows are based on estimated quantities of gold and other recoverable metals, expected price of gold (considering current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), production levels and cash costs of production, capital and reclamation costs, all based on detailed engineering life-of-mine plans.

In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. With the exception of mine-related exploration potential and exploration potential in areas outside of the immediate mine-site, all assets at a particular operation are considered together for purposes of estimating future cash flows. In the case of mineral interests associated with other mine-related exploration potential and exploration potential in areas outside of the immediate mine-site, cash flows and fair values are individually evaluated based primarily on recent exploration results.

Numerous factors including, but not limited to, unexpected grade changes, gold recovery problems, shortages of equipment and consumables, equipment failures, and collapse of pit walls could impact our ability to achieve forecasted production schedules from proven and probable reserves. Additionally, commodity prices, capital expenditure requirements and reclamation costs could differ from the assumptions used in the cash flow models used to assess impairment. The ability to achieve the estimated quantities of recoverable minerals from exploration stage mineral interests involves further risks in addition to those factors applicable to mineral interests where proven and probable reserves have been identified, due to the lower level of confidence that the identified mineralized material can ultimately be mined economically.

Material changes to any of these factors or assumptions discussed above could result in future impairment charges to operations.

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Environmental reclamation and closure liabilities are recognized at the time of environmental disturbance, in amounts equal to the discounted value of expected future reclamation and closure costs. The discounted cost of future reclamation and closure activities is capitalized and amortized over the life of the property. The estimated future cash costs of such liabilities are based primarily upon environmental and regulatory requirements of the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Cash expenditures for environmental remediation and closure are charged as incurred against the accrual.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar.

The carrying value of monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing when the assets were acquired or the liabilities assumed. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average rate of exchange during the period. Translation gains or losses are included in net earnings for the period.

Canadian currency in these financial statements is denoted as "Cdn$," European Common Market currency is denoted as "Euro" or "€," and Ghanaian currency is denoted as "Ghana Cedi" or "Ghana Cedis."

INCOME TAXES

Income taxes comprise the provision for (or recovery of) taxes actually paid or payable and for deferred taxes. Deferred income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed using enacted income tax rates in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on the deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of enactment. The provision for or the recovery of deferred taxes is based on the changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period. In estimating deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is provided to reduce the deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized.

NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic income per share of common stock is calculated by dividing income available to Golden Star's common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. In periods with earnings, the calculation of diluted net income per common share uses the treasury stock method to compute the dilutive effects of stock options, and other dilutive instruments. In periods of loss, diluted net income per share is equal to basic income per share.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue from the sale of metal is recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, the price is determinable, the metal has been delivered, title and risk of ownership has passed to the buyer and collection is reasonably assured. All of our gold is sent to a South African gold refiner who locates a buyer and arranges for the sale on the day of shipment from the mine site. The sales price is based on the London P.M. fix on the day of shipment. Title and risk of ownership pass to the buyer on the day doré is shipped from the mine sites.

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Under the company's stock option plan (see note 17), common share options may be granted to executives, employees, consultants and non-employee directors. Compensation expense for such grants is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of general and administrative expense, with a corresponding increase recorded in the Contributed Surplus account in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The expense is based on the fair values of the option at the time of grant and is recognized over the vesting periods of the respective options. Consideration paid to the company on exercise of options is credited to share capital.

LEASES

Leases that transfer substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership to the company are recorded as capital leases and classified as property, plant and equipment with a corresponding amount recorded with current and long-term debt. All other leases are classified as operating leases under which leasing costs are expensed in the period incurred.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, available for sale investments, accounts receivable, derivative contracts, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and current and long term debts. Each financial asset and financial liability instrument is initially measured at fair value, as adjusted for any associated transaction costs. In subsequent periods, the estimated fair values of financial instruments are determined based on our assessment of available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies including reviews of current interest rates, related market values and current pricing of financial instruments with comparable terms; however, these estimates may not necessarily be indicative of the amounts that could be realized or settled in a current market transaction.

The carrying value of the convertible senior unsecured debentures is recorded at fair value as of the reporting date. Changes in fair value are recorded in the statement of operations.

Financing costs associated with the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective yield method. Financing costs related to the convertible debt have been written off and assumed to be a part of the current fair value.

Financial assets, financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments are classified into one of five categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, loans and receivables, other financial liabilities and held-for-trading.

All financial instruments classified as available-for-sale or held-for-trading, and derivative financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of financial instruments designated as held-for-trading and recognized derivative financial instruments are charged or credited to the statement of operations for the relevant period, while changes in the fair value of financial instruments designated as available-for-sale, excluding impairments, are charged or credited to other comprehensive income until the instrument is realized. All other financial assets and liabilities are accounted for at cost or at amortized cost depending upon the nature of the instrument. After their initial fair value measurement, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ("OCI")

Components of comprehensive income/loss consist of unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities and net income. Unrealized gains or losses on securities are net of any reclassification adjustments for realized gains or losses included in net income.

DERIVATIVES

At various times we utilize foreign exchange and commodity price derivatives to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and gold prices, respectively. We do not employ derivative financial instruments for trading purposes or for speculative purposes. Our derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of operations at the end of each period in an account titled "Derivative mark-to-market gain/(loss)".

4. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

RECENTLY ADOPTED STANDARDS

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, "Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements," which amends Subtopic 820-10 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to require new disclosures for fair value measurements and provides clarification for existing disclosures requirements. More specifically, this update required (a) an entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers; and (b) information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements to be presented separately (i.e. present the activity on a gross basis rather than net) in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). This update clarified existing disclosure requirements for the level of disaggregation used for classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value and requires disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. We adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of 2010 and it did not materially expand our consolidated financial statement footnote disclosures.

In April 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2101-12 which amends topic 718 "Compensation—Stock Compensation". The amendment addresses the classification of an employee share-based payments awards with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which the underlying equity security trades, stating that a share-based award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity's equity trades shall not be considered to contain a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, such an award is not to be classified as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This new provision is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. While our stock option plan denominates option strike prices in Canadian dollars, a substantial portion of our common shares trade in Canada and thus this new guidance did not affect our consolidated financial position, cash flows, nor results of operations in 2011.

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL ASSETS

The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial assets are as follows:

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial liabilities are as follows:

The following tables illustrate the classification of the Company's financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy as at March 31, 2011. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

The convertible senior unsecured debentures are recorded at fair value for U.S. GAAP purposes. These debentures are valued based on discounted cash flows for the debt portion and based on a Black-Scholes model for the equity portion. Inputs used to determine these values were; discount rate 8.91%, Risk Free interest rate of 1.82%, volatility of 66.8%, and a remaining life of 1.7 years. Note 12 (Debt) has a more detailed discussion of the debentures.

Fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs

6. DERIVATIVES AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES FAIR VALUE

The derivative mark-to-market (gains)/losses recorded in the Statement of Operations are comprised of the following amounts:

RIVERSTONE RESOURCES INC. – WARRANTS

In the first quarter of 2008, we received 2 million warrants from Riverstone Resources Inc. ("Riverstone") as partial payment for the right to earn an ownership interest in our exploration projects in Burkina Faso. These warrants are exercisable through January 2012 at Cdn$0.45.

GOLD PRICE DERIVATIVES

In January 2011, we entered into a series of put and call contracts covering 76,800 ounces of future gold production between February and December 2011. The contracts are spread evenly in each week over this period and are structured as cashless collars with a floor of $1,200 per ounce and a cap of $1,457 per ounce. In early February 2011 we entered into a second set of put and call contracts covering 75,200 ounces of future gold production between February and December 2011. The contacts are spread evenly in each week during this period and are structured as cashless collars with a floor of $1,200 per ounce and a cap of $1,503 per ounce.

CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES

The convertible senior unsecured debentures are recorded at fair market value for U.S. GAAP purposes. These debentures are valued based on discounted cash flows for the debt portion and based on a Black-Scholes model for the equity portion. Inputs used to determine these values were; discount rate 8.91%, Risk Free interest rate of 1.82%, volatility of 66.8%, and a remaining life of 1.7 years. Note 12 (Debt) has a more detailed discussion of the debentures.

7. INVENTORIES

There were approximately 30,000 and 20,000 recoverable ounces of gold in the ore stockpile inventories shown above at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Stockpile inventories are short-term surge piles expected to be processed within the next 12 months.

8. AVAILABLE FOR SALE INVESTMENTS

9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

There was no interest capitalized in new additions to property, plant and equipment in the periods shown above.

10. MINING PROPERTIES

There was no interest capitalized in new additions to mining properties in the periods shown above.

11. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

At the end of each period, Asset Retirement Obligations ("ARO") are equal to the present value of all estimated future costs required to remediate any environmental disturbances that exist as of the end of the period, using discount rates applicable at the time of initial recognition of each component of the liability. Included in this liability are the costs of closure, reclamation, demolition and stabilization of the mines, processing plants, infrastructure, tailings storage facilities, waste dumps and ongoing post-closure environmental monitoring and maintenance costs. While the majority of these costs will be incurred near the end of the mines' lives, it is expected that certain on-going reclamation costs will be incurred prior to mine closure. These costs are recorded against the asset retirement obligation liability as incurred. At March 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the total undiscounted amount of the estimated future cash needs was estimated to be $84.1 million and $84.3 million, respectively. Discount rates used to value the ARO range between 8% and 10%. The schedule of payments required to settle the March 31, 2011, ARO liability extends through 2029.

The changes in the carrying amount of the ARO during the first quarters of 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

12. DEBT

EQUIPMENT FINANCING CREDIT FACILITY

GSBPL and GSWL maintain a $35 million equipment financing facility with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, with Golden Star as the guarantor of all amounts borrowed. The facility provides credit for new and used mining equipment. Amounts drawn under this facility are repayable over five years for new equipment and over two years for used equipment. The interest rate for each draw-down is fixed at the date of the draw-down using the Federal Reserve Bank 2-year or 5-year swap rate or London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 2.38%. At March 31, 2011, approximately $21.4 million was available to draw down. The average interest rate on the outstanding loans was approximately 7.3% at March 31, 2010. Each outstanding equipment loan is secured by the title of the specific equipment purchased with the loan until the loan has been repaid in full.

CAPITAL LEASE

In February 2010, GSBPL accepted delivery of a nominal 20 megawatt power plant. Upon acceptance, a $4.9 million liability was recognized which, at the time, was equal to the present value of future lease payments. The life of the lease is two years from the plant's February 2010 in-service date. We are required to pay the owner/operator a minimum of $0.3 million per month on the lease, of which $0.23 million will be allocated to principal and interest on the recognized liability and the remainder of the monthly payments will be charged as operating costs.

CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES

Interest on the $125 million aggregate principal amount of 4.0% convertible senior unsecured debentures due November 30, 2012, (the "Debentures") is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 31 and November 30 of each year. The Debentures are, subject to certain limitations, convertible into common shares at a conversion rate of 200 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures (equal to a conversion price of $5.00 per share) subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The Debentures are not redeemable at our option. On maturity, we may, at our option, satisfy our repayment obligation by paying the principal amount of the Debentures in cash or, subject to certain limitations, by issuing that number of our common shares obtained by dividing the principal amount of the Debentures outstanding by 95% of the weighted average trading price of our common shares on the NYSE Amex stock exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days ending five trading days preceding the maturity date (the "Market Price").

Upon the occurrence of certain change in control transactions, the holders of the Debentures may require us to purchase the Debentures for cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. If 10% or more of the fair market value of any such change in control consideration consists of cash, the holders may convert their Debentures and receive a number of additional common shares, determined as set forth in the Indenture.

The Debentures are direct senior unsecured indebtedness of Golden Star Resources Ltd., ranking equally and ratably with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness, and senior to all our subordinated indebtedness. None of our subsidiaries have guaranteed the Debentures, and the Debentures do not limit the amount of debt that we or our subsidiaries may incur.

These debentures are valued based on discounted cash flows for the debt portion and based on a Black-Scholes model for the equity portion. Inputs used to determine these values were: discount rate 8.91%, Risk Free interest rate of 1.82%, volatility of 66.8%, and a remaining life of 1.7 years.

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

We have a revolving credit facility agreement (the "Facility Agreement") with Standard Chartered Bank which extends through September 30, 2012. The Facility currently provides us with $40.5 million of borrowing capacity and bears interest at the higher of LIBOR or the applicable lenders' cost of funds rate (which is capped at 1.25% per annum above LIBOR), plus a margin of 5% per annum. As of March 31, 2011, the outstanding balance was nil. The amount available under the Facility will be reduced, as scheduled in the agreement, by $9.0 million on December 31, 2011. Covenants require that we meet certain financial ratios at the end of each quarter, including that in excess of 90% of our assets are retained within a group of subsidiaries whose common shares are pledged as collateral for amounts drawn under the revolving credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

13. INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes includes the following components:

The future tax (expense)/benefit is related to the change in the temporary difference between book and tax basis at GSWL.

The current tax expense is related to the fact that at the end of July 2009, the Ghanaian government introduced a temporary levy on certain Ghanaian industries, including mining, brewing, banking, communications and insurance. The bill provides that companies subject to the levy will pay an amount equal to 5% of "profits before tax" as disclosed on their statements of operations. The effective period of this levy has extended into 2011.

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Our commitments and contingencies include the following items:

ENVIRONMENTAL BONDING IN GHANA

In 2005, pursuant to a reclamation bonding agreement between the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and GSWL, we bonded $3.0 million to cover future reclamation obligations at Wassa. To meet the bonding requirements, we established a $2.85 million letter of credit and deposited $0.15 million of cash with the EPA. Pursuant to a separate bonding agreement between the EPA and GSBPL, we bonded $9.5 million in early 2006 to cover our rehabilitation and closure obligations at Bogoso/Prestea. To meet these requirements, we deposited $0.9 million of cash with the EPA with the balance covered by a letter of credit. In 2008, the GSBPL letter of credit was increased by $0.5 million to cover the Pampe mining areas. The cash deposits are recorded as Restricted Cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In 2008, Bogoso/Prestea resubmitted an updated draft of the Environmental Management Plan ("EMP") to the EPA that included an updated estimate of the reclamation and closure costs prepared by a third party consultant. A consultant was commissioned to prepare the reclamation and closure cost estimate and the final EMP was submitted to the EPA in February 2009. Bogoso/Prestea has completed all the legal requirements and is waiting for the environmental certificate. In 2009, Wassa submitted an updated draft EMP that covered Wassa operations, including the Benso and Hwini-Butre mines, to the EPA that included an updated estimate of the reclamation and closure costs. The EPA has reviewed the EMP and their comments were included in the resubmission. GSWL has paid the certificate fees and the EPA is expected to issue the certificate.

In March 2011, we provided $12 million of reclamation bonding to the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") to cover backfilling of the Plant North pit at Prestea which we mined from 2003 to 2006. The bonding requirements were met by a $1.2 million cash deposit and a $10.8 million letter of credit from a commercial bank.

ROYALTIES

Dunkwa Properties

As part of the acquisition of the Dunkwa properties in 2003, we agreed to pay the seller a net smelter return royalty on future gold production from the Mansiso and Asikuma properties. As per the acquisition agreement, there will be no royalty due on the first 200,000 ounces produced from Mampon which is located on the Asikuma property. The amount of the royalty is based on a sliding scale which ranges from 2% of net smelter return at gold prices at or below $300 per ounce and progressively increases to 3.5% for gold prices in excess of $400 per ounce.

Government of Ghana

During the first quarter of 2010, the Government of Ghana announced that it was amending its Mining Act of 2006 to change the method of calculating mineral royalties payable to the Government, effective March 2010. The prior rules established a royalty rate of no less than 3% and no more than 6% of a mine's total revenues, the exact amount being determined by each mine's margin as defined in the law. Under the new law, the royalty has been set at a flat rate of 5% of mineral revenues. The effective date for the revised royalty rate was the end of March 2011.

Benso

Benso pays a $1.00 per ounce gold production royalty to former owners.

Pampe

Certain areas of the Pampe property are subject to a 7.5% net smelter return royalty.

Hwini-Butre

As part of the agreement for the purchase of the Hwini-Butre properties, Golden Star agreed to pay B.D. Goldfields Ltd, Hwini-Butre's former owner, $1.0 million if at least one million ounces of gold are produced and recovered in the first five years of production from the area covered by the Hwini-Butre prospecting license. Gold production was initiated at Hwini-Butre in May 2009. It is not possible at this time to know if future exploration work will increase Hwini-Butre's reserves sufficiently to yield production of one million ounces prior to May 2014.

EXPLORATION AGREEMENTS

Obuom

In October 2007, we entered into an agreement with AMI Resources Inc. ("AMI"), which gives AMI the right to earn our 54% ownership position in the Obuom property in Ghana. Should AMI eventually obtain full rights to our position on the property and develop a gold mining operation at Obuom, we would receive from AMI a 2% net smelter return royalty on 54% of the property's gold production.

Goulagou and Rounga

In October 2007, we entered into an option agreement with Riverstone Resources Inc. ("Riverstone") whereby Riverstone has the right to acquire our 90% interest in the Goulagou and Rounga properties in Burkina Faso. To exercise the option, Riverstone is required to spend Cdn$4 million on exploration programs on the Goulagou and Rounga properties over a four-year period, and may then purchase our interest for $18.6 million in cash or Riverstone common shares. We are entitled to receive up to 2 million shares of Riverstone over the term of the option, all of which have been received as of March 31, 2011. In addition we received a one-time distribution of 2 million Riverstone common share purchase warrants during 2008. The Riverstone purchase warrants have remaining exercise prices that range from Cdn$0.40 to Cdn$0.45.

15. SHARE CAPITAL

Changes in share capital during the three months ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

We held no treasury shares as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011.

16. COST OF SALES

17. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK OPTIONS

We have one stock option plan, the Third Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") approved by shareholders in May 2010, under which options are granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Options granted are non-assignable and are exercisable for a period of ten years or such other period as stipulated in a stock option agreement between Golden Star and the optionee. Under the Plan, we may grant options to employees, consultants and directors of the Company or its subsidiaries for up to 25,000,000 shares, of which 9,286,446 are available for grant as of March 31, 2011, and the exercise price of each option is not less than the closing price of our shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the day prior to the date of grant. Options typically vest over periods ranging from immediately to three years from the date of grant. Vesting periods are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Non-cash employee compensation expense recognized in general and administrative expense in the statements of operations with respect to the Plan are as follows:

We granted 1,718,000 and 1,278,500 options during the first quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively. We do not receive a tax deduction for the issuance of options. As a result we do not recognize any income tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense.

The fair value of our options grants are estimated at the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Fair values of options granted in the first three months of 2011 and 2010 were based on the assumptions noted in the following table:

Expected volatilities are based on the mean reversion tendency of the volatility of Golden Star's shares. Golden Star uses historical data to estimate share option exercise and employee departure behavior and this data is used in determining input data for the Black–Scholes model. Groups of employees that have dissimilar historical behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected term of the options granted represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding; the range given above results from certain groups of employees exhibiting different post–vesting behaviors. The risk–free rate for periods within the contractual term of the option is based on the Canadian Chartered Bank administered interest rates in effect at the time of the grant.

A summary of option activity under the Plan during the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

Stock Bonus Plan

In December 1992, we established an Employees' Stock Bonus Plan (the "Bonus Plan"). The activity and status of the Bonus Plan is unchanged from what was disclosed in our December 31, 2010 annual report on Form 10-K.

Deferred Stock Units

On March 9, 2011 the Board adopted a Deferred Share Unit Plan ("DSU plan") subject to stock exchange approval which has been given conditionally, and shareholder approval which will be sought on May 11, 2011. The DSU Plan, if implemented, will create Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") representing the right to receive one share of Golden Star common stock upon redemption. DSUs may only be redeemed upon termination of the holder's services to the Company, and may be subject to vesting provisions. DSU awards will be granted at the sole discretion of the Company's compensation committee. The DSU Plan allows directors, at their option, to receive all or any portion of their retainer by accepting DSUs in lieu of cash. The compensation committee may also award DSUs to executive officers and/or directors in lieu of cash as a component of their long term performance compensation, the amount of such awards being in proportion to the officer's/director's achievement of pre-determined performance goals. As with DSU awards for directors' retainers, DSUs received as performance compensation are redeemable only upon termination of the holder's services to the Company. The Company may, at its option, provide cash in lieu of common shares upon a holder's redemption, the cash value being established by the share price on the DSU original award date, less all applicable tax withholding.

18. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table provides reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per common share:

19. OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA

20. RELATED PARTIES

During the first quarter of 2011, we obtained legal services from a firm to which one of our board members is of counsel. The cost of services incurred from this firm during the first quarters of 2011 and 2010 was $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Our board member did not personally provide any legal services to the Company during these periods nor did he benefit directly or indirectly from payments for the services performed by the firm.

21. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

In the first quarter of 2011, $1.0 million was paid for income taxes. Cash paid for income taxes during the first quarter of 2010 was $0.6 million. Cash paid for interest was $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2011 and, $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2010.

In February 2010, the company recognized a non-cash $4.9 million liability and an offsetting $4.9 million asset related to delivery of a 10 megawatt power plant upon successful commissioning of the power plant by Genser. (See note 14 for further discussion of the power plant.)

22. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP which differ from financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The effect of applying IFRS to our financial statements is shown below:

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS UNDER IFRS