The former Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has been accused of causing financial loss to the state due to his decision to suspend road toll collection in Ghana. Bia East MP Richard Acheampong insists that the former minister should be held accountable for this action, arguing that road tolls generated GH₵78 million annually, providing a crucial revenue stream for the country. According to Mr. Acheampong, there were no widespread complaints about toll payments apart from congestion and maintenance concerns, which could have been addressed through digitization rather than suspension. He questioned the legal basis for halting toll collection and criticized the government for abandoning a reliable source of revenue while seeking loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking on Adom FM’s *Dwaso Nsem*, he asserted that the country was denied this "free money" for three years, and such a decision should not go unpunished.
Mr. Acheampong further emphasized that a future administration under former President John Mahama would reinstate road tolls with a modernized, technology-driven system to improve efficiency and transparency. He believes that digitizing toll collection, rather than eliminating it, is the appropriate solution to address concerns raised by the public. The MP highlighted that many countries have adopted electronic tolling systems to manage congestion while maintaining revenue flow. He urged the government to learn from international best practices instead of making hasty decisions that harm the economy. Additionally, he stressed that the reintroduction of tolls would provide sustainable funding for road maintenance and infrastructure development, which have suffered due to a lack of funds. The lawmaker also called for greater accountability from public officials, arguing that poor financial decisions should have consequences, particularly when they negatively impact national development.
To support this initiative, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to outline details of the proposed tolling system during the 2025 budget presentation on March 11. Mr. Acheampong expressed confidence that the revamped toll system would address the concerns of road users while ensuring a steady flow of funds for infrastructure projects. He reiterated that Ghana cannot afford to ignore viable revenue sources, especially in a time of economic challenges. The MP also highlighted the broader issue of financial mismanagement within government institutions, urging policymakers to prioritize long-term solutions over short-term political decisions. As discussions on road toll reintroduction continue, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government navigates this critical issue and whether lessons from past mistakes will lead to a more efficient and accountable system.
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