Ghana Gold output may rise 8% in 2012

ACCRA (Scrap Monster): Gold output in Ghana, Africa's second-largest producer, might rise 8% this year as higher metal prices prompted expansion by firms including Newmont Mining, the Ghana Minerals Commission said.

Output was forecast to rise to 3.9 million ounces this year from 3.6 million ounces last year, said Benjamin Aryee, the chief executive of the state agency.

"The price is right and more companies are attracted to invest," he said.