Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for a broadened road toll system to fund the development of the nation’s road infrastructure.
Ghana abolished road tolls in 2022 in a bid to ease traffic congestion on major roads, and the Vice President, who was touring the Volta Region, said a broadened reintroduction of the tolling regime would provide the needed revenue for infrastructure development.
Dr Bawumia was responding to citizen concerns over the bad nature of roads at a meeting with the clergy in the Volta Region at the beginning of his tour.
He said the Government lacked the funding to undertake infrastructure development and said innovative means such as road tolling would provide a way out.
Dr Bawumia added that the Government’s approach to road funding should be reconsidered and that the private sector could augment revenue from road tolls in providing the needed relief.
“Let us go back to a system of broad-based road tolls. The tolling system has to come back, and I think it will come back.
“It is a fundamental mistake of the Government to place all road projects on the budget. The government doesn’t have enough money and the private sector has to be brought in.”
Dr. Bawumia underscored the potential for the private sector to contribute to infrastructure development through lease payment options, drawing parallels with their role in advancing the nation’s digital agenda.
Expanding on his presidential vision, he outlined plans to boost agriculture, ensure energy sufficiency, and reform the tax system.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of formally recognizing the church’s contribution to national development and pledged support in this regard.
Rev. Seth Mawutor, Chairman of the Christian Council in the Volta Region, highlighted the need to preserve national peace during the election period, affirming the Council’s commitment to providing necessary assistance.
Accompanied by NPP leadership, including National Chairman Stephen Ntim and Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Dr. Bawumia engaged with various stakeholders, including the Muslim community and the Volta Region House of Chiefs.
He also planned to host a forum for youth at Ho Technical University before heading to the Oti Region on Friday.