Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will work to reintroduce road tolls to generate revenue for maintenance.
Dr. Ato Forson gave this assurance during his vetting on Monday, January 13, 2025, before Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
Although he did not provide specific timelines, the Ajumako Enyan Essiam MP stated that the NDC has always supported road toll collection, which is why they intend to restore it.
“The NPP submitted a concession agreement to Parliament to reintroduce road tolls, but it was not laid,” he said.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the NDC has been consistent about its position on road tolls, citing statements from Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu.
“We are not running away from this promise. We are a party that honours its commitments, and if road tolls are a means to raise revenue, we will implement them,” he assured.
Dr. Forson further argued that road toll collection is a globally accepted practice and a vital source of funding for road maintenance.
“If you use the road, you pay a toll. It is a standard practice worldwide. Ghana will not be the first or last country to adopt this,” he explained.
He added that the focus would be on ensuring efficient and effective toll collection, with all revenues directed towards maintaining the country’s road infrastructure.
On November 18, 2021, the former Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, directed that toll collection at the various tollbooths across the country be halted.
This directive came after the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced during his 2022 budget presentation that road tolls had been abolished.
However, the immediate past NPP government rescinded its decision and authorized the development of a framework for reintroducing road and bridge tolls in 2025, if they had retained power in the 2024 election.
ALSO READ: