Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the finance minister designate has confirmed that the reintroduction of road tolls in the country is on track, following the removal of tolls by the previous government.
During his vetting session today Monday, January 13 2025, he explained that the National Democratic Congress had been clear about its intention to bring back road tolls, a policy that had been promised by the party’s leadership.
He highlighted that although the previous government had abolished the tolls, they later submitted a concession agreement to Parliament, recommending the reintroduction of the tolls.
Dr. Ato Forson also emphasized the importance of the tolls as a means of generating revenue for road maintenance as he underscored the need for efficient and effective collection systems to ensure the revenue is properly allocated for the maintenance and improvement of the country’s road infrastructure.
“I assure you that we are a party that stands by its word. Whatever we have said, we will deliver. If road tolls are the way to raise revenue, then we will raise revenue. The reality is, if you use the road, you should contribute to its maintenance. This is a practice seen all over the world. Ghana will not be the first, nor the last, to adopt this approach”.
“The previous government indeed removed the road tolls, but as they neared the end of their tenure, they acknowledged the need for tolls to return. They subsequently submitted a concession agreement to Parliament, recommending that the company reintroduce road tolls. The NDC has made it clear that road tolls will be reinstated; we are not shying away from this. In fact, our Majority Leader has already promised to bring back the road tolls, and we are committed to that promise”.
“What is essential now is ensuring that the revenue is collected effectively and efficiently, so that it can be reinvested into the maintenance and improvement of our road infrastructure”.