Ghana to Review Laws for Accra Convention Implementation
Ghana’s Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare announced a review of national laws to align with the Accra Convention on negotiable cargo documents.
In Brief
- •Ghana’s Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare announced a review of national laws to align with the Accra Convention on negotiable cargo documents.
- •The Convention introduces a negotiable title document for goods in transit by road, rail, air or sea, enabling holders to use cargo as collateral for loans.
- •Ghana will collaborate with the Attorney‑General’s Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Transport to draft supporting statutes.
- •The government will pilot the new system with the Ghana Shippers Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and commercial banks.
- •The move aims to improve access to trade financing for exporters, manufacturers and small firms, especially those transporting goods by road.
Why It Matters
The Accra Convention seeks to level the playing field for businesses that transport goods by road, which historically have had limited ability to use cargo as collateral for credit. By reviewing and amending Ghana’s transport, sale‑of‑goods, evidence, electronic transaction and secured‑lending laws, the government intends to unlock capital tied up in goods in transit and broaden access to trade financing. This could stimulate growth for exporters, manufacturers and small firms, and strengthen Ghana’s position within ECOWAS trade networks.
Key Details
- Convention Signed
- Accra Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents
- Minister
- Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare
- Implementation Review
- Transport, sale of goods, evidence, electronic transactions, secured lending laws
- Pilot Partners
- Ghana Shippers Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Customs Division, commercial banks
- Goal
- Unlock capital tied to goods in transit, improve credit access
Context & Background
The Accra Convention, adopted by ECOWAS, standardises negotiable cargo documents across transport modes to enhance trade financing and reduce inequalities in credit access.
Original Reporting & Sources
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