Ghana is set to reinstate road tolls using a modern, technology-driven system to replace the traditional booth collection method, Roads and Highways Minister-designate Kwame Governs Agbodza announced during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 20, 2025.
Mr. Agbodza criticised the suspension of road tolls under the previous administration, calling it an “illegal” decision that disregarded existing laws.
“The reintroduction of road tolls will not involve building obstructions on the road. Instead, it will be a fair and efficient technological platform designed to simplify collection and accountability,” he explained.
Boosting Road Fund Revenue
Highlighting the growth of Ghana’s road fund revenue, the Minister-designate noted an increase from 250 million cedis annually during former Minister Inusa Fuseni’s tenure to over 2 billion cedis in recent years.
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The funds, he said, would be pivotal in tackling the country’s extensive road infrastructure challenges.
Opportunities for Former Toll Booth Workers
Mr. Agbodza addressed concerns about workers affected by the closure of toll booths, pledging to explore ways to reintegrate experienced personnel into the new system.
“We are looking into opportunities to re-engage former toll booth workers in other roles under this modernised system,” he assured.
Road Network Revamp
Providing an overview of Ghana’s road infrastructure, Mr. Agbodza revealed that approximately 50% of the country’s estimated 100,000-kilometre road network is in poor condition and requires urgent attention.
He outlined plans for targeted improvements, particularly for critical sections prone to damage during the rainy season.
“We need to adopt practical and cost-effective solutions tailored to each road’s condition. Not every road needs asphalt,” he said, emphasising the importance of prioritising repairs on the most severely affected sections.
Future Outlook
The announcement marks a significant step in addressing Ghana’s infrastructure challenges while leveraging technology to ensure transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.
The proposed system also promises a sustainable approach to road maintenance without disrupting traffic flow.
With plans for re-engaging displaced workers and focusing on strategic interventions, the initiative aims to modernise Ghana’s road management system while addressing long-standing issues in infrastructure development.
