Africa's second largest gold producer, Ghana's gold output rose to 696,172 ounces in the first quarter of this year.

According to Ghana Chamber of Mines, country's gold production hit 696,172 ounces during the first quarter of 2010, up 3 percent over the same quarter a year ago.

Ghana's revenues from gold mining rose 25 percent during the first quarter of 2010 versus a year ago, the government said on Wednesday, thanks to an increase in output and higher world market prices.

Revenues from gold during the quarter surged 25 percent over last year to hit $782.8 million, according to the release

The boost came as gold output rose 3 percent year-on-year to 696,172 ounces and prices climbed well over $1,000 an ounce.

Overall revenues from the West African state's mining industry totaled $809.9 million, a figure also driven by increases in diamond, bauxite and manganese output.

Ghana Gold