By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
The Concerned Drivers Association has commended government for announcing the reintroduction of road tolls in 2025, as revealed by Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams during the Mid-Year Budget Review in parliament on Tuesday July 23.
In an interview with Happy Kaseɛbɔ, Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado expressed drivers’ enthusiasm for the move, citing the need for reciprocity with neighboring countries that charge tolls to Ghanaian drivers. He noted that when Ghanaian drivers travel to nearby countries, they are required to pay road tolls, but when foreign drivers enter Ghana, they are not charged, creating an unfair situation.
However, Agboado criticized the Finance Ministry for not engaging the drivers’ union in the decision-making process, calling for a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the reintroduction’s details. He emphasized that the drivers’ unions should have been consulted to ensure a collaborative approach to reintroducing the road tolls. Agboado also raised concerns about the implications of reintroducing road tolls, particularly regarding the E-levy, which was introduced after the toll’s cancellation.
He questioned whether the government plans to scrap the E-levy now that the road toll is being reinstated. Additionally, he pointed out that the initial cancellation of the toll was due to traffic issues, and he wants to know what measures the government has taken to address these problems. Agboado urged drivers to support the Ministry’s initiative while pushing for a comprehensive discussion to ensure a smoother implementation.