Ghana will host the 2012 West Africa Trade and Commodity Finance Conference from June 26-27 in Accra.

The two-day conference will attract domestic, regional and international business representatives heavily involved in the ever changing trade and commodity finance sectors.

A statement issued by Exporta Group, organizers of the conference and copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra, said key issues to be discussed would include whether West Africa was still the global deal hotspot for traders, the impact West Africa could have on the global economy, and the role of government risk on African banks.

Others are, developing the full cycle of cocoa production, how the region is financing the wider energy sector, exploring Francophone West Africa as well as the role of Asia and other emerging markets on the regional economy.

It said "Delegates will be able to choose the most relevant presentations and panel discussions to attend as the conference includes duel stream sessions covering specific industry areas including commodities markets, operational best practices, Francophone West Africa and the emerging markets.

"There will be simultaneous English/French translation so delegates will not miss essential information no matter what their language preference."

The statement said, "As with all Exporta events, networking will be a key theme throughout the conference. The meeting will provide the ideal setting for peer-to-peer networking amongst key decision makers, with new business relationships being formed as well as the chance to meet old friends."

The statement quoted Mr. Anthony Fofie, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) who would deliver the keynote address as saying "As the ascendancy of Africa continues to ignite interest on a global scale, the conference will act as a key meeting point for expert practitioners to discuss the extensive opportunities and challenges the region holds – including broad coverage of the region’s ample commodities".

The conference is being supported by Diamond Bank, Standard Bank, DHL Express, Ecobank, Ghana International Bank, Deutsche Bank, Afreximbank, FBN Bank, FMO, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa and Ankomah, Equipxp and Mauritius Commercial Bank.**