GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, has denounced the previous government’s decision to abolish road tolls, describing it as an “illegal act.” Speaking during his vetting in Parliament on Monday, January 20, Agbodza elaborated on the decision’s adverse effects and revealed plans to restore the tolls as a revenue-generation measure.
Agbodza recalled how members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the Roads and Transport Committee had cautioned against the policy before its implementation. Despite these warnings, then-Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, moved forward with the decision, ignoring concerns raised by experts and stakeholders.
He emphasized the financial toll of abolishing road tolls, noting that they were a critical revenue source for the Road Fund, essential for maintaining and expanding Ghana’s road network.
“The Road Fund’s revenue was just GH¢250 million when we started, and we worked to increase it to GH¢1.5 billion. Today, it’s over GH¢2 billion. We cautioned the government against cancelling road tolls, yet they proceeded. This cancellation was an act of illegality,” Agbodza stated.
When asked about reinstating tolls, the Minister-Designate confirmed that under his leadership, road tolls would be reintroduced. He argued that this measure is vital for boosting revenue collection and ensuring the sustainability of the country’s road infrastructure development.
