Scrapping road tolls was illegal; we’ll restore them – Agbodza

Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, has criticised the previous government’s decision to abolish road tolls, describing the move as an “illegal act.”

Speaking during his vetting in Parliament on Monday, January 20, he detailed the events leading up to the controversial policy change and highlighted the financial implications of the decision.

Agbodza also hinted at the reintroduction of road tolls as a measure to enhance revenue generation for national development.

Agbodza disclosed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) members on the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament had cautioned against the policy before it was officially announced.

Despite their warnings, the then-Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, proceeded with the decision, disregarding the concerns raised by stakeholders and experts.

Highlighting the financial repercussions of the decision, Agbodza pointed out that road tolls had been a significant source of revenue for the Road Fund, which is critical for maintaining and expanding the country’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.”

When questioned about the potential reintroduction of road tolls, the Minister-Designate also stated unequivocally that they would make a comeback under his leadership.

He explained that restoring tolls is necessary to enhance revenue collection and ensure the sustainability of road infrastructure development.