Three years after Ghana’s abrupt cessation of road toll collection, former toll workers are voicing their frustration over the government’s failure to honor its promises of alternative employment and financial support. The decision, announced on November 17, 2021, during the presentation of the 2022 Budget Statement, left approximately 800 workers jobless without any viable safety net.
At the time, the government, represented by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and Roads and Highways Minister Kwasi Amoako-Atta, pledged to reassign the displaced workers to new roles and provide interim monthly allowances. However, these commitments remain unfulfilled, deepening the plight of those affected.
Edward Duncan, General Secretary of the Ghana Toll Workers Union, expressed disappointment in the government’s handling of the situation. “The government has failed us. It has been three years since these promises were made, but none of them have been kept,” Duncan stated. He highlighted that the two major assurances—alternate employment and monthly allowances—remain unmet.
Duncan also refuted claims that the former toll workers had received financial settlements. “Contrary to reports by some government officials and party loyalists in the media, we have not been paid off or compensated in any way. These statements are misleading and do not reflect the reality of our situation,” he said.
The cessation of toll collection, which was intended to ease traffic flow and optimize revenue through electronic systems, has had unintended consequences for the affected workers. Many of them are now struggling to make ends meet, with no clear path forward.
The former workers are calling on the government to take immediate action to address their grievances. Their demands include a detailed roadmap for fulfilling the promises of alternative employment and the immediate disbursement of the promised allowances. Duncan emphasized, “We want the government to recognize our plight and deliver on its word. Our livelihoods have been disrupted, and we deserve the support we were assured.”
The toll workers’ situation underscores broader challenges in government policy implementation and the need for accountability. As Ghana approaches another election cycle, this issue serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the welfare of citizens impacted by public policy decisions.
The government’s response to these concerns will not only affect the lives of the displaced workers but could also influence public trust and confidence in its ability to deliver on commitments. For the toll workers, the wait continues, but so does their hope for justice and support.
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