The Minority in Parliament has harshly condemned the government’s plan to reintroduce road tolls, labeling the move as ill-advised and a sign of poor governance.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways recently disclosed that it has started consultations with key stakeholders to finalize the reimplementation of road tolls.
This initiative is intended to finance the repair of the country’s deteriorating roads.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza criticized the decision, asserting that it reflects a lack of seriousness and effective governance within the current administration.
“That is quite an interesting position by the current road minister. In fact, isn’t it the case that he was part of the cabinet when the decision was taken to suspend the collection of tolls? And when Mr. Speaker and all of us drew attention to the fact that that singular action was illegal, they told Mr. Speaker to go to the toll booth to collect the toll himself if he likes.”
“This is just a testament to a government that is wayward, has lost touch, and doesn’t know what it wants,” Mr. Agbodza asserted.
He also accused the government of suspending road tolls as a propaganda tactic to promote the E-levy to Ghanaians.
“Cabinet decided to suspend the collection of tolls as propaganda to foist the E-levy down the throats of Ghanaians. We are paying the E-levy today. They want to take more money from you, so they are coming back to condemn each other to say that they want to collect tolls.”
“Then the entire government is condemned. They cannot pick and choose who is upright in the government,” he intimated.
Mr. Agbodza reiterated the Minority’s ongoing opposition to the suspension of road tolls, describing it as unnecessary and poorly conceived.
“So, we wait. We have been consistently saying that there was no need to suspend the collection of tolls. So, Ghanaians can see which part of the political divide can be trusted and is consistent with policies in this country.
“Obviously, the NPP’s record of being straight and fair to Ghanaians has been called into question so many times,” he stated.