Road tolls to be reintroduced in 2025

Ghana’s Finance Minister,Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has announced government’s plan to reintroduce road tolls in 2025. The move aims to generate revenue for the maintenance and development of the country’s road networks.

The road tolls were initially cancelled three years ago to reduce traffic congestion on major roads and to pave the way for the introduction of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy). The E-levy imposed a one percent levy, down from the initial 1.5 percent, on all electronic and Mobile Money (MoMo) transactions exceeding a cumulative GHS100 per day.

Presenting the 2024 mid-year budget review to Parliament on July 23, Dr. Amin Adam stated that the reintroduction of road tolls is intended to “facilitate the processes for the implementation of a modernized and efficient road and bridge tolling system.” He added that the Cabinet had approved the establishment of a framework for the reintroduction of road and bridge tolls.

Before their cancellation, road tolls generated approximately GHS39 million monthly and around GHS72.5 million annually, which was used for financing the periodic maintenance and rehabilitation of public roads.

Dr. Amin Adam emphasized the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in Ghana. Over the years, the government has constructed new roads and upgraded existing ones. Some completed projects include the Dadiesoba-Esiankyim-Manhyia, Antwi Agyeikrom-Debra Camp, Sunyani and Berekum Inner City roads, Atebubu town roads, Assin Fosu-Dunkwa-Cocoa Station, and Kwahu Tafo-Miaso roads.

Ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance projects include the Juaboso-Boinzan roads, Winneba-Kasoa road, Karaga town road, Gushegu town and Tolon Daboya road, Nanton-Karaga-Gushegu highway, Sefwi Wiawso town roads, and the Accra-Kumasi road.

Projects at various stages of completion include the rehabilitation of the Tamale-Tatale road, phase two of the Tema Motorway Roundabout, the construction of a flyover over the Accra-Tema motorway from the Flowerpot Roundabout on the Spintex Road to East Legon, phase two of the Suame Interchange, dualisation of the Nsawam-Ofankor road, works on the Agona Nkwanta-Tarkwa road, Dome-Kitase road, and phase two of the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange and ancillary works.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has also voiced his support for the reintroduction of road tolls, suggesting a system of broad-based tolls and involving the private sector to augment revenue for road infrastructure development. Speaking to the clergy in the Volta Region in May 2024, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in providing the necessary infrastructure for development.

Sector Minister Francis Asenso-Boakye indicated in March 2024 that the government had commenced discussions with stakeholders to ensure the effective reintroduction of road tolls, with plans to digitize and automate the toll collection system. “Many countries use the revenue they generate from tolls to finance their road maintenance. We’ve started the process of engaging stakeholders to bring back the toll collection,” he said.

The reintroduction of road tolls is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining and improving Ghana’s road infrastructure, ensuring better connectivity and fostering economic growth.