The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced that every road under the Big Push initiative will be tolled to raise money for maintenance. Speaking on GHOneNews, Agbodza emphasized that the move is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the country’s road network.
According to Agbodza, the government is introducing a digital tolling system, aligning with ECOWAS recommendations, to improve efficiency and transparency in road use charges. The Minister explained that the tolls will be applied to public roads that have been engineered or improved, with revenue collected supporting ongoing projects and maintenance.
The Big Push initiative aims to enhance road connectivity across Ghana, with 12 major projects underway. Agbodza noted that the programme is crucial for economic growth, easing congestion, and creating jobs. The Minister cited the Accra-Kumasi Expressway as a key project, designed to decongest major corridors and improve road safety {{IE_0}}¹{{/IE_0}} {{IE_1}}²{{/IE_1}}.
Agbodza emphasized that the government is committed to completing ongoing projects while initiating new ones that respond to national development needs. He dismissed criticism that the government should prioritize completing existing projects, stating that the Directive Principles of State Policy mandate governments to continue existing projects while starting new ones.
The digital tolling system is expected to be implemented soon, with a public education campaign to follow. The Minister assured that the system will be transparent and efficient, with no physical toll booths.
The introduction of road tolls is part of efforts to address Ghana’s infrastructure challenges. The government has allocated GH¢13.8 billion for road rehabilitation under the Big Push initiative, targeting over 40 major roads nationwide {{IE_2}}³{{/IE_2}}.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
