Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, has expressed strong disapproval of the previous administration’s decision to eliminate road tolls, labeling the action as an “illegal act.”
During his vetting session in Parliament on January 20, he elaborated on the circumstances surrounding this contentious policy shift and underscored its financial ramifications.
Agbodza suggested that the reintroduction of road tolls could serve as a vital strategy for boosting revenue to support national development initiatives.
He revealed that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the Roads and Transport Committee had previously warned against the policy prior to its formal announcement.
Despite these warnings, the former Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, moved forward with the decision, ignoring the concerns expressed by various stakeholders and experts.
Emphasizing the financial impact of this decision, Agbodza noted that road tolls had historically been a crucial revenue source for the Road Fund, essential for the maintenance and expansion of the nation’s road infrastructure.
“This issue has garnered significant national attention. The revenue accrued to the road fund was merely GH¢250 million, which we successfully increased to GH¢1.5 billion; currently, it exceeds GH¢2 billion. We advised the government against the cancellation of road tolls and were taken aback by their decision to do so. It was an act of illegality to abolish them.”
When asked about the possible reinstatement of road tolls, the Minister-Designate affirmed that they would indeed return under his administration.
He articulated that the restoration of tolls is imperative for improving revenue collection and ensuring the ongoing development of road infrastructure.
