The government has proposed revision of rates ahead of the reintroduction of road tolls across the country.
The move if accepted is expected to result in the increase of tolls.
Per the revision, motorbikes are expected to now pay 50p, whiles saloon cars pay GHC1, heavy buses will now pay GHC2 with heavy good trucks paying GHC3.
Light buses will now pay GHC1.50, agriculture tractor and trailers paying GHC1.
A statement issued by the Ministry for Finance said, “We are by this letter sending the recommended rates for input by the Ministry of Roads and Highways to enable this Ministry to finalise the schedule of fees under the upcoming Legislative Instrument”.
“Accordingly, this Ministry has initiated steps to provide for foundational rates for tolling of roads and highways as part of the amendments of the Act, pending completion of the process to identify the roads and highways to be affected by the reintroduction of the road tolls as stated in the Budget.,” the statement said.
Below is the full statement:
Background
The government abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges as was announced by Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Finance in the 2022 Budget.
According to the minister, the move was to bring some relief to road vehicle users given the heavy vehicular traffic, lengthened travel time and ineffective revenue collection at tolling points on our public roads.
Ofori-Atta said the revenue that accrues to the state for the construction and maintenance of roads is inadequate and hence, the government has to look elsewhere to equitably generate revenues for the construction and maintenance of our roads.
“Over the years, the tolling points have led to heavy traffic on our roads and lengthened travel time from one place to another, impacting negatively on time and productivity. The congestion generated at the tolling points, besides creating these inconveniences, also leads to pollution in and around those vicinities.
“To address these challenges, government has abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges. This takes effect immediately the budget is approved. The toll collection personnel will be reassigned. The expected impact on productivity and reduced environmental pollution will more than off-set the revenue forgone by removing the tolls,” he added.
The minister said to compensate for the road tolls, government is looking to introduce innovative ways of raising revenue such as the proposed 1.7% phone transactions levy payable by mobile money users per transaction above GHS 100. He said this will help government to shore up revenue inflows to fund road projects in the country.
This takes effect immediately the budget is approved. The toll collection personnel will be reassigned. The expected impact on productivity and reduced environmental pollution will more than off-set the revenue forgone by removing the tolls.
Reporting by Fred Dzakpata in Accra
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