Bawumia Advocates For Reintroduction Of Broad-Based Road Tolls To Enhance Ghana’s Infrastructure

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana and the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 presidential elections, has called for the reintroduction of a comprehensive road toll system to address the nation’s infrastructure challenges. Speaking during a tour of the Volta Region, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for innovative financing solutions, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on government funds for road projects.

In 2022, the NPP government eliminated road tolls in an effort to alleviate traffic congestion on major thoroughfares. However, Dr. Bawumia, addressing concerns about the deteriorating state of roads during a meeting with the clergy, underscored the necessity of reinstating and expanding the tolling regime to generate revenue for infrastructure development.

“The government alone cannot shoulder the burden of financing road projects in Ghana. A broad-based road toll system is essential to mobilize the necessary resources,” Dr. Bawumia stated. He further elaborated that private sector participation would be crucial in supplementing toll revenues and ensuring sustainable road maintenance.

Dr. Bawumia criticized the current approach of funding all road projects through the national budget, describing it as a “fundamental mistake.” He proposed involving the private sector more actively, suggesting lease payment options similar to those utilized in the country’s digital advancement initiatives.

During his address, Dr. Bawumia also outlined his broader vision for Ghana should he be elected president. His plans include expanding the agricultural sector, ensuring energy sufficiency, and overhauling the tax system. He emphasized the significant role of the church in national development and pledged continued support to religious institutions.

Accompanying the Vice President on his tour were key NPP leaders, including Mr. Stephen Ntim, the National Chairman of the NPP, and Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

The Vice President’s proposal comes at a critical time as Ghana grapples with the dual challenges of economic constraints and the need for infrastructural development. His call for a reevaluation of the government’s funding strategy for road projects signals a potential shift in policy that aims to harness private sector capabilities and improve the country’s road network.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com