Accra, Jan 6, GNA - Mr Sam Nnamdi Okechukwu, Nigeria's High Commissioner, on Tuesday called on developing countries to expand economic co-operation within the concept of South-South co-operation.

''Collective self-reliance is one of the most effective instruments for ensuring rapid economic growth and development of the developing countries".

Mr Okechukwu said this when he presented his letters of credence to President Jerry John Rawlings at the State House. Nigeria's mission in Accra had been headed by charge d'affairs since the departure of Mr Olu Otunla, a few years ago.

He said it is, therefore, gratifying that Ghana and Nigeria are rebuilding their economies through collective self-reliance by taking steps to establish the second monetary zone and free trade zone in the sub-region.

''President Olusegun Obasanjo is very sincere about the fast track option and is determined to do everything possible to see that Ghana and Nigeria and indeed ECOWAS countries that may join later make this union a reality''.

Mr Okechukwu said much as Ghana and Nigeria are determined to forge integration of the sub-region, they must be mindful of the militating factors that seek to frustrate these efforts. "It is evident that African economies have been subjected to all forms of manipulations and manoeuvres aimed at perpetually keeping them in subjugation.

''African integration is the key to its development by creating the ability to meet the aspirations of our citizens by giving them decent standard of living.'' President Rawlings said Ghana would ensure that the recent initiative it launched with Nigeria to accelerate integration of the sub-region is sustained to its logical end.

''In this enterprise we cannot fail''. ''As members of ECOWAS and the African Economic Community, Ghana and Nigeria have no choice but to integrate if we are to attain sustainable development''. President Rawlings appealed to governments in the sub-region to treat migrants or other ECOWAS citizens in their countries humanely and in accordance with the principles of international law.

President Rawlings said wilful maltreatment of migrants tends to breed animosity between peoples thereby undermining efforts at fostering a common ECOWAS identity. He said the criminal activities of some migrants should not lead to the denial of the hospitality, which law-abiding ones are entitled to and thereby sour relations between countries. The Presidents said Ghana expects ECOWAS countries to co-operate more closely in the future to contain the activities of cross-border criminals. GNA