adverts
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the finance minister-designate, has reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) commitment to reintroducing road tolls to generate revenue for road maintenance, should he be approved.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 13, Dr. Forson stated that the NDC has consistently supported road toll collection as a critical measure for funding road infrastructure.
He pointed out that while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government abolished road tolls in 2021, it had signalled intentions to reinstate them before leaving office. “The NPP submitted a concession agreement to Parliament to reintroduce road tolls, but it was not laid,” Dr. Forson explained.
adverts
The finance minister-designate reiterated that the NDC intends to restore the tolls as part of its revenue generation strategy. He referenced former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu’s assurances that the NDC would bring back road tolls once in power.
“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,” Dr. Forson assured.
Dr. Forson defended the reintroduction of road tolls as a globally accepted practice, arguing that it would serve as a necessary 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 emphasised that toll collection would be handled efficiently, with all revenues directed toward improving and maintaining the nation’s road infrastructure.
The NPP government’s decision to abolish road tolls in 2021 was met with criticism from various stakeholders, who argued that tolls were essential for ensuring the sustainability of road maintenance and infrastructure development.
In response, Dr. Forson confirmed that the NDC, in line with its previous stance, remains committed to reintroducing road tolls as part of its broader infrastructure funding strategy.
The reintroduction of road tolls is one of the key aspects of the NDC’s economic plan, which Dr. Forson believes will contribute to the country’s long-term infrastructure development goals.
