Heads of State of countries forming the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are expected to meet on 17 December 2001 to decide whether or not Ghana's Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, MP for Bimbilla, should assume the position of Executive Secretary of the ECOWAS.

The Minister for Economic Planning and Regional Co-operation, Dr Paa Kwasi Nduom, dropped the hint when he briefed the press on the activities of his ministry in Accra and called for support for his candidature.

On trade expansion in the region, he said at present 116 Ghanaian enterprises and 255 products have been registered under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

He said these products are exempted from import duties, taxes as well as custom duties. He said 21 other Ghanaian companies have also been recommended for approval by the Council of Ministers to enable their products to enjoy the facilities.