Ghana is set to champion the adoption of the Accra Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, stated that Ghana is committed to signing and ratifying the United Nations Convention. This commitment was made during the opening of a virtual sensitisation programme for ECOWAS Member States on October 7, 2026. The programme aimed to help countries examine the implications of the instrument and assess its compatibility with their national legal systems.
The Accra Convention, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 15, 2025, through Resolution 80/162, provides a common legal framework for using cargo documents in financing and trading goods transported by road, rail, and air. The Convention is scheduled to be opened for signature in Accra on October 26, 2026. Ghana's Trade Minister urged participating ECOWAS countries to deepen their understanding of the Convention and submit clear recommendations to their governments. The sensitisation programme was organised to facilitate the adoption and implementation of the Convention.
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the ECOWAS Commission also encouraged Member States and stakeholders to participate actively in the process. Secretary of UNCITRAL, Anna Joubin-Bret, and ECOWAS Commission Director of Trade, Kolawole Sofola, supported the Convention's signature, ratification, and implementation. The Convention aims to make trade finance and cross-border movement of goods easier.
The Accra Convention's adoption is expected to have a significant impact on trade in West Africa. By providing a common legal framework, the Convention will facilitate the use of negotiable cargo documents. This will enable countries to trade goods more efficiently, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing economic cooperation.
Ghana's role in championing the Convention's adoption within ECOWAS is crucial. As the host country for the signing ceremony, Ghana is poised to play a leading role in the Convention's implementation. The country's Trade Minister emphasised Ghana's readiness to welcome ECOWAS Member States and stakeholders from across the world to Accra for the signing ceremony.
The Convention's implementation will require countries to assess its compatibility with their national legal systems. ECOWAS Member States will need to examine the implications of the instrument and make necessary adjustments. The sensitisation programme was designed to facilitate this process, providing countries with a clear understanding of the Convention's requirements.
The adoption of the Accra Convention is a significant step towards enhancing trade finance and cross-border movement of goods in West Africa. Ghana's leadership in championing the Convention's adoption within ECOWAS will be crucial in its successful implementation. The Convention's impact is expected to be felt across the region, promoting economic cooperation and growth.
Key points
- Ghana to host the signing ceremony of the Accra Convention on October 26, 2026.
- The Convention provides a common legal framework for using cargo documents in financing and trading goods.
- Ghana's Trade Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, committed to signing and ratifying the Convention.
