Road Tolls Will be Back - Ato Forson
Accra, Ghana - 13 Jan, 2025 - Ghana's Finance Minister-Designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has confirmed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)-led government will reintroduce road tolls, a policy that was initially removed by the previous administration.
Speaking during his vetting session before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 13, 2025, Ato Forson stated that this move aligns with the NDC's 2024 manifesto and demonstrates the party's commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises.
According to Dr. Forson, the previous government had signaled the potential return of road tolls before ultimately abolishing them in 2021. The NDC, however, has always maintained that road tolls would be reinstated.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the party remains dedicated to its promise, citing the need to raise revenue for the country.
“The previous government indeed removed the road toll but getting to the end, they signaled that the road toll is coming back. They submitted it to Parliament but it was not laid despite a concession agreement with a company to reintroduce it,'' he stated.
“The NDC indicated from day one that the road toll will come back. We are not running away from it. So I can assure you we are a party that sticks to our promises. And whatever we have promised to do, we will do just that. If the road toll is a way to raise revenue, we will raise the revenue,'' he added.
The reintroduction of road tolls is expected to generate revenue for road construction and maintenance. Initially introduced in the 1990s, road tolls became a standard feature on Ghana's major highways and roads. Although the previous administration abolished the tolls, citing inefficiencies and high operational costs, the NDC believes that reinstating the tolls will provide a vital source of revenue for the country's road network.
Source: Lead News Online