The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced plans to reintroduce the collection of tolls on roads and bridges across the country.
The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to address revenue generation shortfalls and ensure sustained road maintenance.
According to the Ministry, the reintroduction of road tolls will be accompanied by the deployment of a modern, technologically advanced toll collection system.
This move is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce revenue leakages, and improve the overall toll collection process.
Transparent procurement process
To ensure fairness and accountability, the Ministry has pledged to undertake an open, transparent, and competitive procurement process in selecting firms to manage the new tolling system. Officials stress that this process will be cost-effective and aligned with international best practices.
Govt’s abrupt abolition of road tolls in 2021
The decision to bring back tolls marks a policy reversal from the government’s earlier stance in 2021.
On November 17, 2021, then-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, while presenting the 2022 budget in Parliament, announced the abolition of road and bridge tolls.
“Government has abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges. This takes effect immediately the budget is approved,” he declared.
However, just a day after the announcement, Roads and Highways Minister Kwasi Amoako Atta unilaterally ordered the immediate cessation of toll collection, leading to confusion among road users and toll operators.
The move also raised concerns over revenue losses and the long-term sustainability of road infrastructure funding.
The controversial toll booth conversions
Following the closure of toll booths, Minister Amoako Atta suggested that the abandoned structures could be repurposed into public washrooms.
The statement sparked significant public debate, with many questioning the feasibility of such a move. The Minister later denied making such claims.
New Roads Minister promises the return of tolls
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, the current Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, assured lawmakers that he would work towards reintroducing tolls as a means of generating revenue for road maintenance and expansion projects.
His confirmation of the policy shift signals the government’s renewed commitment to ensuring sustainable road financing mechanisms.
The reintroduction of road tolls is expected to spark public discourse on its economic impact, efficiency, and potential effects on commuters and businesses.
The Roads Ministry has yet to announce a specific timeline for implementation but has assured Ghanaians that the process will be handled with transparency and fairness.
By SELORM GBORBIDZI, Accra
