Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta announced a decision by the government to reintroduce road tolls.
According to the minister, tolls will be collected on specific roads whose financing will come through a strategic Public Private Agreement under the Ghana Infrastructure Infrastructure Fund.
The minister, delivering the 2022 mid-year budget review address in parliament said, ” The draft Concession Agreement (CA) between GIIF and MoRH is currently under review by GIIF, MoRH, the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Finance. When completed, the CA is expected to be approved by the PPP Committee, Cabinet and Parliament.
The completed road will be tolled to recover the whole life cost of the completed infrastructure as well as pay lenders and provide a return for equity investors. The Government of Ghana shall provide funding through GIIF to take equity in the Special Purpose Vehicle to be created by GIIF for the project.” Finance Minister said.
Members of the general public in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, however have been reacting to the Minister’s announcement.
They suggested that the government should consider giving the collection of tolls to a private institution to avoid embezzlement of funds.
Some are of the view that the income accrued from the collection can be used to support developmental works.
“I support the reintroduction of the toll collection because it would increase the country’s revenue mobilisation for development of the economy and also reduce unemployment”.
“Government should give the collection of tolls to a private institution which would enhance accountability. Private institutions are disciplined and organized in their operations. Government should also settle debt owed to former toll collectors.”
” The collection of tolls should not have been cancelled in the first place. Bringing it bac may seem the government is confused. All the same, restoring it won’t be bad after all.”
