Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced that it is engaging with key stakeholders to finalize the decision to reinstate road tolls. According to the sector minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, the reintroduction of road tolls is essential for funding the repair of the country’s deteriorating roads.
In 2021, the Ministry directed a nationwide cessation of toll collection, effective November 18, 2021. The removal of tolls was aimed at alleviating traffic congestion at toll booths and was made in anticipation of the e-levy. This move received mixed reactions.
Addressing the issue, Asenso-Boakye emphasized the necessity of road tolls for maintenance funding. “[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,” he explained.
He further noted that the ministry has begun the process by engaging with various stakeholders to secure their support for the reintroduction of road tolls. “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 stated.