Ghana To Host UN Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents
Ghana will host the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents in Accra on 26th October 2026, marking an important step towards strengthening international trade and improving the efficiency of the global supply chain.
The Coordinating Director/ Political and Economic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Harold Agyeman, said this when he briefed the Diplomatic Corps in Accra.
According to him, the Convention, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 15th December 2025, establishes 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 provides for the use of such documents in electronic form.
He stated that, by providing a common legal framework for negotiable cargo documents, the Convention seeks to facilitate trade finance, enable the sale of goods in transit, promote multimodal transportation, and support the digitalisation of international trade.
He said it has the potential to contribute meaningfully to greater efficiency and legal certainty within global supply chains.
“The forthcoming ceremony represents a significant moment not only for Ghana, but also for the international community”, he added.
Ambassador Agyeman noted that Ghana hosting the opening-for-signature ceremony is a matter of considerable national pride.
He said this is a recognition of Ghana’s contribution to the development of international trade law and reflects the country’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation and the progressive development and harmonisation of international law.
He noted that as the continent advances regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), efficient cross-border transportation, trade documentation, and access to trade finance are becoming increasingly important.
Ambassador Harold encouraged all Missions to convey the relevant information to their respective capitals and to facilitate, as appropriate, the participation of their governments in the ceremony.
“We look forward to welcoming respective delegations to Accra, on 26th October 2026, for what we trust will be a successful and memorable occasion,” he added.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations, UNCITRAL, the Diplomatic Corps and all other stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
He thanked the United Nations, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, the Ghana Mission in Vienna, Austria, the UNCITRAL Secretariat, and other stakeholders for their close collaboration and leadership in organising this event, as well as the Diplomatic Corps for their continued support and cooperation.
The Convention will enter into force following the deposit of the tenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.
Freda Marfo, ISD
