Chairman of the Association of Ghana Road Contractors, John Ashford Afful, has expressed gratitude to government for its decision to review road tolls.
He said policy which is yet to receive Parliament’s approval will increase the resources available for the road sector.
Mr. Afful further stated that the government must also review other pertinent road sector levies. This is to enable government pay road contractors.
“We were very happy to hear about the road tolls being reviewed. We are asking for some increase to enable us increase the amount of money available at the road fund.
“Fuel levy and DVLA will also be reviewed in such a way that there will be enough funds at the Road Funds secretariat to enable them pay the contractors because they work”.
Despite the government paying some GH3.7 billion to settle outstanding arrears to contractors, Mr. Afful expressed concern over it
“Yes, GH3.7 billion has been allocated but the next question is, is it going to be released? There have been instances where funds have been allocated but they are not released for payment to contractors so, that is where our worries lie”.
Mr. John Ashford Afful
Hence, he urged the government to work within its allocated budget. Mr. Afful insists this will prevent any future tension between the Association and the government.
“Although a lot cannot be said about roads in the first year due to Covid-19, we are just hoping that this year we have vaccination coming in for Covid-19 to be reduced. Also the government will allocate funds for the roads sector as they have promised and I think everything will be fine”.
Budget statement on revised tolls
Mr Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, during the 2021 Budget statement, disclosed government’s decision to revise road tolls. This he said is to align them with present rates in the market.
He explained that the move was to maintain the improvements on our roads.
“Government will review existing road tolls and align them with current market rates. This will form part of the framework for promoting burden-sharing as we seek to transform our road and infrastructure sector in a post-Covid era”
Mr. Osei-Kytei Bonsu
Additionally, he stated that government seeks to amend the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2018 (Act 983). This Act governs the setting of Rates and Tolls to accommodate an automatic annual adjustment.
Accountability on roads
Earlier, A Political Analyst, Dr Theo Acheampong, had called for accountability in the use of monies collected from road tolls across the country.
According to the Economist, the increment of toll is a good initiative, however, government must ensure that the funds mobilized reflect in the transport system.
“I support the increase in road tolls, I think it is inevitable just because of the inflationary methods that have taken place over 10 years without any adjustment in real terms.
“But we need more accountability on the use, we need to see how the monies actually have been utilized on year-by-year basis”.
Dr. Theo Acheampong
