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Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, has criticised the previous government’s decision to abolish road tolls, describing it as an “illegal act” with far-reaching financial implications.
During his vetting in Parliament on Monday, January 20, Agbodza detailed the controversial policy’s origins, highlighting warnings from stakeholders and its impact on national revenue.
Agbodza revealed that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament had cautioned against abolishing road tolls. Despite these concerns, the then-Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, proceeded with the policy.
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Road tolls, Agbodza stressed, had been a significant revenue source for the Road Fund, which finances road maintenance and development. “It is a matter that has attracted national attention.
Accrual to the Road Fund was only GH¢250 million, and we worked to increase it to GH¢1.5 billion; today, it is over GH¢2 billion. We cautioned the government against cancelling the road tolls, and we were surprised they did so. It was an act of illegality to cancel it,” he stated.
Agbodza hinted at the reintroduction of road tolls under his leadership, emphasising their necessity to sustain the country’s road infrastructure.
He argued that reinstating tolls would enhance revenue generation and ensure sustainable development in the roads sector.
