The Ghanaian government has announced that it will reintroduce road tolls on all public roads in the country. This move has sparked concerns among drivers and transport operators, who fear that it will increase the cost of transportation and lead to inflation.
According to the Ghana Highway Authority, the road tolls will be calculated based on the weight of the vehicle and the distance traveled. The tolls will range from GHS 1 for motorcycles to GHS 10 for heavy-duty trucks, and will be collected at various toll booths located on the highways.
The government has defended the reintroduction of road tolls, citing the need to generate revenue to maintain and improve the country's road infrastructure. According to the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, the tolls will be used to fund the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, as well as other critical infrastructure projects.
The decision to reintroduce road tolls has been met with mixed reactions from the public. While some have welcomed the move as a necessary step to improve the country's road infrastructure, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the cost of transportation.
Transport operators, in particular, have expressed worry about the effect that the tolls will have on their already tight profit margins. They argue that the tolls will increase the cost of transportation, which will ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher fares.
The government has assured transport operators and the public that it will take steps to minimize the impact of the tolls on the cost of transportation. According to the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the government is considering various measures, such as reducing fuel prices and providing subsidies, to cushion the impact of the tolls on transport operators and consumers.
In conclusion, the reintroduction of road tolls in Ghana is a necessary step to generate revenue to fund critical infrastructure projects. While the tolls will increase the cost of transportation, the government has assured the public that it will take steps to minimize the impact on transport operators and consumers.
As such, drivers and transport operators should be prepared to pay the tolls and work with the government to ensure that the country's road infrastructure is maintained and improved for the benefit of all.
