President John Mahama has been elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States.

The Ghana president was elected during the 44th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.

John Mahama takes over from his immediate neighbour and Ivorian President Allasane Ouattara who was elected on 17 February 2012.

He would have a year's mandate within which he would run the affairs of the Regional body.

His election was confirmed by Joy News' Seth Kwame Boateng who is currently in Yamoussoukro covering the Ordinary Session.

One of the key issues President John Mahama would superintend over is the signing of the controversial Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union.

The West African Leaders are expected to announce a decision on the divisive trade agreements Saturday.

President of the ECOWAS Commission Kadré Désiré Ouedraogo, has been commending the European Union for their flexibility on the matter.