The Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has reemphasised the need to reintroduce the road toll which was cancelled by the previous administration.
He described as an “illegal act”, during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 20, 2025.
Agbodza explained that the act has had financial implications on the state, highlighting the amount of money the state loses as a result of the decision.
In the current administration’s quest to enhance revenue mobilisation for the state, the Minister-designate indicated that the government will reintroduce the toll.
He disclosed that National Democratic Congress (NDC) members on the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament cautioned against the cancellation of the policy before the previous government officially announced.
Despite their warnings, the then-Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, proceeded with the decision, disregarding the concerns raised by stakeholders and experts.
He said the road toll was a major contributor to the Road Fund which is used to expand road infrastructure in the country.
“It is a matter that has attracted national attention. Accrual to the road fund was only GH¢250 million and we worked to increase it to gh¢1.5 billion, today, it is over GH¢2 billion, so we cautioned the government against cancelling the road tolls and we were surprised that they cancelled it. It was an act of illegality to cancel it,” he stated.
When questioned about the potential reintroduction of road tolls, the Minister-Designate also stated unequivocally that they would make a comeback under his leadership.
He explained that restoring tolls is necessary to enhance revenue collection and ensure the sustainability of road infrastructure development.
