Road tolls set for 2024 comeback – Minister hints

The reintroduction of road tolls in 2024 is on the horizon, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has revealed.

This was made known during the deliberation of the 2024 budget statement and economic policy in Parliament on Friday (15 December). This decision comes after the government cancelled road toll collections in 2021, following the introduction of the e-levy, which fell short of expectations.

The ministry emphasizes the necessity of a national dialogue on financing road construction, a move welcomed by Minority Chief Whip Kwame Agbodza.

Agbodza expressed approval for the minister’s decision, citing the financial benefits that toll collections could provide, particularly for small and medium contractors who maintain roadside areas.

Agbodza also endorsed the call for a national dialogue on road financing, emphasizing the need to discuss internal funding solutions for roads, given the limitations in obtaining loans from international sources.

Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, supported the reintroduction of road tolls but underscored the importance of implementing a digitalized solution to prevent losses to the state. Afenyo-Markin suggested that a digitalized system would minimize human interface and enhance sustainability.

The approval of ₵4.6 billion by Parliament for the ministry’s services in the coming year accompanies this significant development.

Source:dailymailgh