Road toll will be restored – Ato Forson

Finance Minister-designate Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has pledged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will reintroduce road tolls as a strategy to generate revenue for road maintenance.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, 2025, Dr. Forson highlighted the importance of road tolls as a consistent source of funding for the country’s infrastructure. Although he did not specify an exact timeline for implementation, he affirmed the NDC’s commitment to restoring the practice.

“The NPP presented a concession agreement to Parliament to bring back road tolls, but it was not formally laid,” Dr. Forson explained. “The NDC has always maintained its support for road tolls, as we see it as a critical avenue for revenue generation.” He also cited the position of Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu, emphasizing that the party has been clear and consistent on the matter.

Dr. Forson reassured the committee that the NDC would follow through on this promise. “We are a party that stands by its commitments. If road tolls are necessary to fund road maintenance, we will reinstate them,” he said.

He further explained that road tolls are an internationally accepted practice, emphasizing their necessity. “Around the world, road users pay tolls as a standard measure to maintain road infrastructure. Ghana will not be an outlier by doing the same.”

Dr. Forson noted that a key focus would be on ensuring efficient toll collection and transparent management of the funds generated. He stressed that all revenue collected would be channeled directly into maintaining the nation’s road network.

The issue of road tolls has been contentious in recent years. In November 2021, the then-Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, ordered the cessation of toll collection following an announcement by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta during the 2022 budget presentation that tolls would be abolished. However, the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration later reversed course, proposing a framework for reintroducing road and bridge tolls in 2025, had they remained in power after the 2024 elections.

Dr. Forson’s comments signal the NDC’s intent to act decisively in restoring road tolls and using them as a reliable means to support the country’s infrastructure development.