Washington DC -- Howard County Executive James N. Robey (D) has played many roles in his life. He's been a patrol officer, police chief, an advocate for the elderly and a hand-shaking, back-slapping good ol' Howard Countian. Now he's become international development specialist.

Early next month, Robey is scheduled to speak during a one-day conference in Columbia about trade opportunities with Ghana.

"Ghana is recognized as the gateway to a growing West African region," he said in a statement released this week. "I'm pleased that this conference will help us learn more about that country, its business customs and the enormous economic potential available for local companies wishing to expand."

The conference is sponsored by the International Trade Center of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. It will feature presentations from Alan Kyerematen, Ghana's ambassador, and Seth E. Addo, minister of trade and investment at the Embassy of Ghana.