Accra will welcome delegations from more than ten countries on October 26 to sign the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, a move that Ghana says will streamline cross‑border trade and ease the transfer of goods in transit.
The convention aims to create a common legal framework for negotiable cargo documents in both paper and electronic formats across sea, road, rail and air transport. By standardising the paperwork, the agreement is expected to reduce barriers, speed up transactions and enable businesses to use these documents to secure trade finance while goods are moving.
Professor Ransford Gyampo, CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, said the country is working with key ministries and international bodies to build momentum for the initiative. “Ghana, we are bringing the whole world here in Accra to sign this important document,” he told reporters ahead of the ceremony.
Stella Ansah, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the convention’s potential to improve access to finance for small and women‑led businesses, strengthen links between landlocked economies and global markets, and boost digital trade. She added that Ghana is preparing to sign and will seek prompt ratification, while also urging ECOWAS members to consider joining.
The signing will coincide with events marking the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Once the tenth instrument of ratification is deposited, the convention will enter into force 180 days later.
Ghana’s push for wider participation reflects its goal of fostering an international legal environment that supports efficient, secure trade and encourages the adoption of a unified framework for cargo documentation.
