Ghana will host the opening-for-signature ceremony of a United Nations convention on negotiable cargo documents on October 26, 2026, in a move expected to strengthen the legal framework for international trade and enhance the country’s standing in global trade diplomacy.
The United Nations General Assembly has recommended that the convention be known as the Accra Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, recognising Ghana’s role in hosting the landmark event.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the ceremony during a briefing for the Diplomatic Corps in Accra on October 6, urging governments to participate in the signing and support the implementation of the agreement.
Adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 15, 2025, the convention establishes a common legal framework for negotiable cargo documents used in road, rail, air and sea transport, including electronic documents.
The agreement is intended to facilitate trade financing, allow goods to be sold while in transit and improve the efficiency of international supply chains.
It is also expected to support the digitalisation of trade documentation and promote multimodal transportation by providing greater legal certainty for businesses operating across different jurisdictions.
The convention comes as African countries intensify efforts to deepen regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where efficient transportation, reliable trade documentation and access to finance remain critical to cross-border commerce.
At the diplomatic briefing, Ghana encouraged governments to communicate details of the ceremony to their respective capitals and facilitate the participation of their delegations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ghana remained committed to working with the United Nations, the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the Diplomatic Corps and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
The convention will enter into force after the deposit of the 10th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
Ambassador Harold Agyeman, Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opened and closed the briefing.
The ministry acknowledged the collaboration of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ghana’s Mission in Vienna, Austria, and the UNCITRAL Secretariat in organising the ceremony.
Ghana is expected to welcome government delegations to Accra for the October 26 event, which will formally open the convention for signature by states.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
