Road tolls to return in new technological form, eliminating physical barriers - Agbodza

Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Roads and Highways Minister-designate, has revealed that road tolls would be reinstated in a new, technological form, eliminating the physical barriers on the roads.
He made this disclosure on Monday, January 20, during his vetting by the Appointments Committee.
Mr Agbodza’s announcement marks a significant shift from the previous toll collection system, which involved obstructions on the road and manual payment collection by toll attendants.
In his statement, Agbodza expressed his concern over the government’s decision to cancel road tolls previously, highlighting the potential loss of revenue and the negative impact on road infrastructure development.
"We decided to caution the government not to cancel road tolls but to find a way to improve the system," he explained. According to Agbodza, the previous system had its flaws, particularly in preventing leakages, and could have been enhanced rather than dismantled.
Agbodza criticised the manner in which the toll system was cancelled, describing it as an act of "illegality," noting that the decision was made unilaterally, without proper consultation or consideration.
He referred to the previous government’s claim that tolls were only accruing ¢80 million, which, he argued, was misleading, especially when road contractors across the country are still owed substantial amounts.
He pointed out that road contractors are currently owed up to GH¢5,000, a significant sum that demonstrates the financial mismanagement and neglect surrounding the previous toll collection system.
The new system, according to Agbodza, will focus on leveraging technology to improve toll collection efficiency and eliminate the need for physical barriers that slow down traffic.
By using modern methods and technological solutions, road tolls will be easier to collect and will likely improve the overall road maintenance and development process.
Mr Agbodza assured that the new system would be fair and efficient, addressing the concerns of both road users and contractors while ensuring that road infrastructure projects receive the necessary funding
Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah
Trending Business
24-hour economic programme: Gov't aims to 'reset' GIHOC for rapid employment, export
01:24President John Dramani Mahama appoints Acting D-G for the Ghana Port and Harbours Authority
17:05SIC borrowed money to pay dividend while paying 'fat' salary to MD: Ex-shareholder narrates
15:19Komenda Sugar Factory to be come leading producer of sugar in Ghana – Mahama assures people of Central Region
15:202025 budget to be ready in March – Mahama reveals
15:21W/R: President Mahama pledges to complete stalled Takoradi Market Circle project
11:08Ben Asante steps down as CEO of Ghana National Gas Company
10:31CEMSE raise concerns over high number of filling stations on NPA register, calls for reforms
15:50Former SIC MD refuses to hand over, locks up office and bolts with keys
15:26KSK Group of Companies dissolves board of directors
14:54