Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has criticized the previous government’s decision to abolish road tolls, describing it as an “illegal act.”
Speaking during his parliamentary vetting on Monday, January 20, Agbodza highlighted the financial implications of the decision and hinted at the reintroduction of road tolls to boost revenue generation for national development.
According to Agbodza, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) members on the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament had cautioned against the policy change before its announcement, but their concerns were ignored. The then-Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, proceeded with the decision, disregarding stakeholders’ and experts’ concerns.
Agbodza emphasized the significant revenue generated by road tolls for the Road Fund, which is crucial for maintaining and expanding Ghana’s road network.
“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, so we cautioned the government against cancelling the road tolls and we were surprised that they cancelled it. It was an act of illegality to cancel it,” he stated.
When questioned about the potential reintroduction of road tolls, Agbodza stated that they would make a comeback under his leadership to enhance revenue collection and ensure the sustainability of road infrastructure development.