Ghana will host the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents in Accra on October 26, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s contribution to the development of international trade law and global commerce.
Ahead of the event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 6, 2026, briefed members of the Diplomatic Corps on preparations for the ceremony and the significance of the Convention.
The Convention, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 15, 2025, establishes a uniform legal framework for the issuance and use of negotiable cargo documents across various modes of transport, including road, rail, air and sea. It also provides legal recognition for the use of such documents in electronic form.
By creating a common legal framework, the Convention seeks to facilitate trade finance, support the sale of goods while in transit, promote multimodal transportation and advance the digitalisation of international trade. It is expected to enhance efficiency, predictability and legal certainty within global supply chains.
The Ministry noted that the opening-for-signature ceremony represents an important achievement for Ghana and the international community. In authorising the ceremony to be held in Accra, the United Nations General Assembly also recommended that the instrument be known as the “Accra Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents.”
According to the Ministry, the decision reflects international recognition of Ghana’s contribution to the progressive development and harmonisation of international trade law as well as the country’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.
The Convention is also expected to have particular relevance for Africa as the continent advances regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Efficient cross-border transportation systems, secure trade documentation and improved access to trade finance are increasingly critical to achieving the objectives of the continental trade bloc.
Ghana has therefore encouraged governments interested in becoming signatories to participate in the ceremony in Accra, describing their participation as a demonstration of commitment to strengthening the international legal framework governing modern trade.
The Ministry urged diplomatic missions to relay the information to their respective capitals and facilitate the participation of their governments in the event.
It also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the Diplomatic Corps and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the ceremony.
States were further encouraged to consider becoming parties to the Convention and support its implementation within their domestic legal systems. The Convention is expected to enter into force after the deposit of the tenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to the United Nations, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ghana’s Mission in Vienna, the UNCITRAL Secretariat and other stakeholders for their collaboration in organising the event.
The briefing session for members of the Diplomatic Corps was opened and closed by Ambassador Harold Agyeman, Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The signing ceremony is expected to further elevate Ghana’s profile in international trade diplomacy while reinforcing efforts to modernise and harmonise legal frameworks governing global commerce.