Thursday, 24 October

There was no need to suspend the collection of road tolls – Minority condemns gov’t over reintroduction

General News
Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza condemned the decision

The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticised government’s decision to reintroduce road tolls, calling the move misguided and indicative of poor governance.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways recently announced that it has begun consultations with key stakeholders to finalise the reinstatement of road tolls. 

This measure aims to fund repairs for the country’s deteriorating roads.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday,12 June 2024, Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza condemned the decision, arguing that it highlights a lack of seriousness and proper governance within the current administration.

“That is quite an interesting position by the current road minister. In fact, is it not the case that he was part of the cabinet when the decision was taken to suspend the collection of tolls and when Mr Speaker and all of us drew attention that that singular action was illegal, they told Mr Speaker to go to the toll booth to collect the toll himself if he likes. 

“This is just a testament of a government that is wayward, lost touch and doesn’t know what they want,” Mr. Agbodza asserted.

He further accused the government of using the suspension of road tolls as a propaganda tool to push the E-levy onto Ghanaians. 

“Cabinet decided to suspend the collection of tolls as propaganda to foist E-levy down the throats of Ghanaians. We are paying E-levy today. They want to take more money from you so they are coming back to condemn each other to say that they want to collect tolls.

“Then the entire government is condemned. They cannot pick and choose who is upright in the government,” he intimated.

Mr. Agbodza reiterated the Minority’s consistent stance against suspending road tolls, suggesting it was unnecessary and poorly thought out. 

“So, we wait. We have been consistently saying that there was no need to suspend the collection of tolls. So, Ghanaians can see which part of the political divide can be trusted and is consistent with policies in this country. 

“Obviously, the NPP’s record of being straight and fair to Ghanaians has been called into question so many times,” he stated.

Source: classfmonline.com/Elikem Adiku