Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has advocated for a broadened road toll system to fund the development of Ghana’s road infrastructure.
Ghana eliminated road tolls in 2022 to alleviate traffic congestion on major roads. However, during his tour of the Volta Region, Dr. Bawumia proposed reintroducing a comprehensive tolling system to generate necessary revenue for infrastructure development.
In a meeting with the clergy in the Volta Region at the start of his tour, Dr. Bawumia addressed citizen concerns regarding poor road conditions. He acknowledged the Government’s funding shortfall for infrastructure projects and emphasized that innovative solutions like road tolls could bridge the gap.
Dr. Bawumia suggested that the Government’s approach to road funding needs reevaluation, advocating for private sector involvement to supplement toll revenue and provide needed infrastructure.
“Let’s reintroduce a broad-based road toll system,” Dr. Bawumia stated. “The tolling system must return, and I believe it will. It is a fundamental error for the Government to rely solely on the budget for road projects. The Government lacks sufficient funds, and the private sector must be involved.”
He proposed a lease payment option from the private sector to support infrastructure development, similar to their role in advancing the nation’s digital agenda.
Dr. Bawumia also shared his vision for Ghana if elected president, including expanding agriculture, ensuring power sufficiency, and reforming the tax regime. He highlighted the importance of formally recognizing the church’s role in national development and assured it of the necessary support.
Rev. Seth Mawutor, Chairman of the Christian Council in the Volta Region, emphasized the need to maintain national peace during the election period and pledged the Council’s ongoing support.
Accompanying Dr. Bawumia were NPP leaders, including Mr. Stephen Ntim, National Chairman of the NPP, and Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
During his tour, Dr. Bawumia also met with members of the Muslim community and the Volta Region House of Chiefs, and he plans to engage with the youth at a forum at Ho Technical University before continuing to the Oti Region on Friday.