The Country Lead for the Clean Air Fund, Desmond Appiah, has welcomed the shift to electronic toll booths, emphasizing the need to address the root cause of air pollution—vehicle emissions.
He stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent excessive emissions, a move that would benefit not only toll collectors but also drivers, passengers, and the entire population.
In Ghana, a growing air pollution crisis poses a serious health risk, particularly to vulnerable citizens.
Toll workers, many of whom are individuals with disabilities facing limited employment opportunities, have borne the brunt of this environmental hazard. Their daily tasks, collecting tolls on roads across the country, have exposed them to harmful vehicle emissions for extended periods, leading to severe health complications.
A recent report by Adom News’ Prince Owusu Asiedu highlighted the devastating impact of these emissions on toll collectors. They have demanded safety measures if they are to return to toll booths.
However, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced the government’s decision to reintroduce road tolls later this year, but with a modern twist.
This new system will leverage technology to protect vulnerable individuals from exposure to harmful emissions, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Dr. Forson assured the public that the new toll system will be fair and efficient, streamlining the process through technological advancements to minimize congestion and optimize toll collection.
Senior Program Manager for the Global Designing Cities Initiative, Hayrettin Gunn, has hailed the government’s initiative as a game-changer for toll collection.
He highlighted the alarming contribution of cars in Accra to air pollution, accounting for 40 percent of the city’s pollution, and its detrimental impact on residents’ health.
This new approach to toll collection presents an opportunity to improve working conditions for toll collectors while addressing Ghana’s pressing air quality concerns.