The Ministry of Roads and Highways has initiated discussions with key stakeholders to finalize the decision to reinstate road tolls in Ghana.
According to the sector minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, the reintroduction of road tolls is necessary to aid the government in repairing the country’s deteriorating roads.
In 2021, the Ministry of Roads and Highways directed the cessation of toll collection nationwide, effective November 18, 2021. This decision was made to alleviate traffic congestion at toll booths and in anticipation of the introduction of the e-levy, which was met with mixed reactions from the public.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Asenso-Boakye emphasized the importance of seeking the buy-in of key stakeholders before reintroducing road tolls.
“[Road] maintenance also means money. In many countries, they use the tolls that they collect from road tolls to finance maintenance. But in our case, we have suspended it, and I think it is a good time for us to start the discussion to bring these road tolls back and get money to maintain our roads.
“That is very important, and we have started the process by engaging the various stakeholders to get their buy-in to make sure that we bring the road tolls back,” he said.
The ministry is engaging with various groups to ensure that the decision is well-received and understood by all parties involved.
The reinstatement of road tolls is expected to provide the government with additional revenue to fund road maintenance and improvement projects across the country.