Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, has criticized the previous government’s decision to abolish road tolls, calling the move an “illegal act.”
Speaking during his vetting in Parliament on Monday, January 20, Agbodza outlined the events that led to the controversial policy shift and discussed its financial impact.
He also signaled the return of road tolls as part of efforts to boost revenue for national development.
Agbodza revealed that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament had warned against the policy before it was implemented.
Despite these warnings, the then-Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, moved forward with the decision, ignoring concerns from experts and stakeholders.
Addressing the financial consequences of scrapping the tolls, Agbodza noted that road tolls had been a vital revenue source for the Road Fund, which is essential for maintaining and expanding the country’s road infrastructure.
“It is a matter that has captured national attention. Revenue to the Road Fund was just GH¢250 million, but we worked hard to raise it to GH¢1.5 billion. Today, it stands at over GH¢2 billion. We cautioned the government against canceling the road tolls, and we were surprised when they did. It was an illegal act,” he said.
When asked about the potential return of road tolls, Agbodza made it clear that they would be reinstated under his leadership. He emphasized that restoring the tolls was crucial for improving revenue generation and ensuring the continued development of the country’s road infrastructure.
