Ghana to host signing ceremony of UN convention on negotiable cargo documents on October 26
Story by: Regina Bless
Ghana is set to host the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents in Accra on October 26, 2026, in an event expected to strengthen international trade and improve the movement of goods across borders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the upcoming ceremony during a briefing for members of the Diplomatic Corps on October 6, 2026, as preparations intensify for the international gathering.
The Convention, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 15, 2025, seeks to establish a uniform legal framework for the issuance and use of negotiable cargo documents across different modes of transport, including road, rail, air and sea. It also allows such documents to be issued and used electronically.
The framework is expected to facilitate trade financing, make it easier for businesses to sell goods while they are still in transit, promote the use of multiple transport systems and support the digitalisation of international trade.
According to the Ministry, the Convention has the potential to improve efficiency, reduce legal uncertainties and strengthen the management of global supply chains.
Ghana’s hosting of the ceremony is considered a significant achievement, with the United Nations General Assembly recommending that the Convention be known as the “Accra Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents” in recognition of the city hosting its opening-for-signature ceremony.
The Ministry described the development as a reflection of Ghana’s commitment to international cooperation, multilateralism and the harmonisation of international law.
The Convention is also expected to be particularly relevant to Africa as countries continue efforts to deepen regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Efficient transportation, reliable trade documentation and improved access to trade finance are essential to facilitating the movement of goods and expanding cross-border commerce across the continent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has encouraged governments to participate in the October 26 ceremony and urged diplomatic missions in Ghana to communicate the relevant information to their respective capitals to facilitate participation.
It further called on states to consider becoming parties to the Convention and supporting its implementation within their domestic legal systems.
The Convention will enter into force after the deposit of the tenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
The Ministry acknowledged the contributions of the United Nations, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ghana’s Mission in Vienna, Austria, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Secretariat and other stakeholders involved in organising the event.
The briefing session was opened and closed by Ambassador Harold Agyeman, Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As Ghana prepares to welcome delegations to Accra, the ceremony presents an opportunity for the country to strengthen its role in international trade diplomacy while supporting efforts to modernise the legal and practical systems that underpin global commerce.