Gold Exploration in West Africa

[FL]

Keegan (KGN.V) found more gold in Ghanaian trench

[Note: This is about a month old. FL]

Keegan Resources, Inc.

Thu Dec 22, 2005

Keegan Reports Higher Grade Gold Assays from Asumura Trench

Vancouver, December 22, 2005: Keegan is pleased to announce results from deeper sampling of its first saprolite/bedrock trench from the Asumura Property in southwest Ghana. Keegan previously reported an intercept of 6 metres of 3.2 g/t Au in a trench located in the Twiapasi gold-in-soil anomaly. The new intercept, sampled one meter deeper in the same trench, had an intercept of 6 metres of 4.6 g/t Au.

Keegan is awaiting assays from trenches along strike of this intercept as well as trenches from the Wagyakrom anomaly. Additional soils and IP studies have been completed and results for all existing programs should be received by the end of the year. Keegan is currently completing a 43-101 technical report and is in the planning stages of an extensive drilling program to commence early in 2006.

The Asumura Project is located within a favorable geological setting on a large convex flexure of the Sefwi greenstone belt. Each convex flexure of the Sefwi and Ashanti greenstone belts besides Asumura has delivered multi-million ounce deposits; the most recent discoveries occurring in Newmont's (NYSE: NEM; TSX:NMX) Ahafo gold district (proven and probable reserves of 10.6 M oz at an average gold grade of 0.068opt (1.92g). The Asumura concession comprises a 210 square kilometer area 65 kilometers south of Ahafo along the same belt boundary. Vincent Dzakpasu, a qualified member of the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in the United Kingdom is Keegan's QP on the property. TWL Labs in Tarkwa, Ghana performed the fire assay analysis on the intercept reported in this press release.

Dan McCoy, President and CEO of Keegan Resources states: "We are pleased that the original trench results have not only been confirmed, but grades have increased by sampling to depth. We expect additional trench data by the end of the year and look forward to launching an aggressive drill program early in the New Year."

About Keegan Resources
With a primary focus on established gold districts located in stable political environments, Keegan's seasoned exploration and management team have leveraged their collective experience and networks of contacts to efficiently assess, acquire and explore high quality, mid stage, precious and base metal projects. With active exploration programs in Nevada and Ghana combined with an enviable capital structure the company is well positioned to deliver an active, exciting year for its investors.

On Behalf of the Board

Dan McCoy, Ph.D.
President & CEO

For more information please visit the company website at http://www.keeganresources.com or contact investor relations at 604-683-8193 or [e-mail].

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

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