Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Finance Minister-designate of Ghana, has reiterated the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) commitment to reintroducing road tolls as a means of funding road maintenance.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 13, Dr. Forson stressed that the NDC has always supported the collection of road tolls and plans to restore the practice if he is confirmed in office.

He highlighted that although the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government abolished road tolls in 2021, it had previously submitted a concession agreement to Parliament to bring them back, although the proposal was not laid before Parliament.

“The NPP submitted a concession agreement to Parliament to reintroduce road tolls, but it was not laid,” Dr. Forson explained.

Dr. Forson affirmed the NDC’s unwavering position on the issue, referencing former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu’s statements confirming that the NDC would reinstate road tolls. He emphasised that the NDC is committed to fulfilling this promise, viewing tolls as an effective revenue source for infrastructure development.

“We are not running away from this promise. We are a party that honours its commitments, and if road tolls are a means to raise revenue, we will implement them,” he said.

Dr. Forson also pointed out that road toll collection is a widely accepted practice globally and an important way to fund road maintenance. “If you use the road, you pay a toll. It is a standard practice worldwide. Ghana will not be the first or last country to adopt this,” he said.

He assured that the revenue from tolls would be used exclusively for maintaining and improving the country’s road infrastructure.

The NPP government’s 2021 decision to abolish road tolls as part of its 2022 budget policy faced criticism, with many arguing that the tolls were vital for sustainable road maintenance. The NDC, while in opposition, has consistently advocated for their reinstatement.

Source:TheDotNews