Ghana moves to reform cargo documentation and port operations

Ghana is pursuing reforms to modernize its maritime trade and logistics sector to enhance economic competitiveness. The government plans to sign the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents in Accra on October 26, 2026. This convention aims to establish a harmonized legal framework for both paper and electronic negotiable cargo documents, facilitating smoother cross-border transactions and improving access to trade finance.

Additionally, the Ministry of Transport has emphasized the necessity of faster port clearance and efficient vessel operations at the ports of Tema and Takoradi. Officials noted that current delays and weak coordination between public institutions increase costs for businesses and consumers. To address this, the government is focusing on integrating customs-management systems and digital port platforms to create more transparent and dependable vessel-clearance processes.