The Minority in Parliament has lambasted the government’s decision to reintroduce road tolls, condemning it as a reckless and contradictory move that exposes the administration’s erratic policy-making and lack of coherence.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has initiated a consultative process with relevant stakeholders to finalize plans for the reintroduction of road tolls, a move designed to generate revenue for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the nation’s crumbling road infrastructure.
Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Governs Agbodza, vehemently condemned the government’s decision, contending that it exposes a glaring lack of seriousness, fiscal responsibility, and effective governance, demonstrating a disturbing disregard for the welfare of citizens.
“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 the 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.”
Hon. Governs Agbodza
Hon. Agbodza alleged that the Cabinet’s decision to suspend toll collection was a propaganda ploy, aimed at deceiving the public and forcing the controversial E-levy down the throats of Ghanaians, exposing the government’s desperation to impose its will despite widespread opposition. “We are paying E-levy today”, he added.
He alleged that the government is seeking to further drain the public’s finances, and is therefore reneging on its earlier decision to abolish tolls, in a bid to reinstate the revenue stream and justify the U-turn by conveniently condemning its own initial decision as misguided.
“Then the entire government is condemned, they cannot pick and choose who is upright in the government.” – Hon. Governs Agbodza
Minority’s Stance Vindicated As Gov’t Reinstates Tolls
Furthermore, Hon. Governs Agbodza reiterated that the Minority has consistently maintained that the suspension of toll collection was unnecessary, and that the government’s decision to reinstate it is a vindication of their stance, which was ignored by the administration.
He emphasized that this turn of events allows Ghanaians to distinguish between political parties that stand by their principles and those that prioritize political convenience, making it clear which side is worthy of trust and support.
“And obviously the NPP’s record of being straight and fair to Ghanaians has been called into question so many times”. – Hon. Governs Agbodza
Accordingly, Mussa Dankwah of Global InfoAnalytics echoed the Minority’s sentiments, casting doubt on the Road Minister’s credibility and pointing out the hypocrisy of the government’s about-face on the toll issue, given that the Minister was a part of the same administration that initially scrapped the tolls.
“Asenso Boakyie should not be throwing shades at uncle Amoako-Atta. Is he suggesting that when uncle was in charge, Ghana wasn’t a serious country? What view did Asenso Boakyie express when uncle decided by ministerial fiat, to cancel the road tolls?”
Mussa Dankwah
He further lamented that Ghana’s political leaders have a penchant for speaking out only when it’s convenient or politically expedient, rather than when it truly matters, demonstrating a lack of courage and principle in their leadership.
Mussa Dankwah observed that many leaders are reluctant to dissent or speak truth to power because they are more concerned with being liked and maintaining a popularity contest, rather than taking a principled stand, even if it means going against the crowd. “What a country”, he added.
He bemoaned the government’s chronic inconsistency in policy-making, highlighting the devastating impact it has had on the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry, whose lives are constantly disrupted by the whimsical changes in policy direction.
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