The Volta Regional branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has thrown its support behind President John Dramani Mahama’s administration’s proposal to reintroduce road tolls.
The union recalls the significance of the move, especially in improving road infrastructure and improving public safety.
The GPRTU emphasized that road tolls serve as a potential source of income for the repairs, rebuilding, and upgrading of road infrastructure.
Mr. Awilo Attito, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Volta Regional GPRTU, told GNA that the union is ever ready to support the policy, on the condition that the funds generated are used transparently and efficiently for their intended purpose.
“We have been informed that the government, through the Ministry of Roads and Highways, intends to reintroduce road tolls. We support this initiative, but it is important that the funds collected are used effectively to maintain and repair roads for the safety of all road users,” Mr. Awilo Attito stated.
Mr Attito further noted that tolls previously played a role in reducing road congestion by discouraging unnecessary trips, ultimately helping to prevent accidents and loss of lives. He urged the government to allocate a portion of the revenue towards road safety measures such as speed cameras, improved street lighting, and enhanced emergency response systems.
“Government must make sure that revenues generated from road tolls should be properly used to provide funding for new infrastructure projects, such as new roads, bridges, and tunnels, among others. They should be ready to render an account annually,” they added
