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Finance Minister-Designate Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced plans to reintroduce road tolls in Ghana, fulfilling a key promise outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto.
During his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 13, 2025, Dr. Forson reaffirmed the party’s commitment to reinstating the tolls, which were abolished under the previous government led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“The previous government removed the road toll but signaled its return before leaving office. A concession agreement to reintroduce it was even submitted to Parliament, but it was not laid. The NDC has been clear from the start—we will bring back road tolls. If road tolls are a means to raise revenue, we will use them,” Dr. Forson stated.
Road tolls were initially introduced in Ghana in the early 1990s as a revenue-generating measure to fund road construction and maintenance. Over time, toll booths became a familiar feature on major highways, with vehicles paying fees to access these routes.
In 2021, the Akufo-Addo administration abolished road tolls, citing inefficiency, high operational costs, and minimal revenue returns. The decision sparked controversy, as tolls were replaced with the E-Levy, which faced significant public backlash.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the reintroduction of road tolls aligns with the NDC’s broader strategy to enhance revenue generation without imposing unnecessary financial burdens on Ghanaians. “We are a party that keeps its promises. If road tolls contribute to raising necessary revenue, we will ensure they are effectively implemented,” he assured.
The return of road tolls is expected to provide funding for critical infrastructure projects while addressing the inefficiencies that plagued the previous toll system. The NDC government has pledged to ensure that the collection process is transparent and cost-effective, avoiding the pitfalls of the past.
