Bringing Back Road Tolls Is Good News – Nana Akomea Backs Ato Forson
Nana Akomea, the Chief Executive of the InterCity State Transport Corporation (STC), has supported the John Mahama administration’s resolve to restore road tolls.
The erstwhile Akufo-Addo government canceled the tolls after introducing the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) to boost the road sector as well as provide infrastructure to enhance Ghana’s progress.
The then Roads Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Attah swiftly removed the tolls immediately the E-Levy was announced but many Ghanaians lambasted him and the government over their action.
The people felt Ghana would lose much revenues accrued through the tolls, hence advocated for the toll fee to be increased instead of its cancellation.
The citizens’ incessant request wasn’t heeded but the previous government however later considered restoring the tolls.
With President John Mahama back in power, his Finance Minister nominee has promised the tolls will be brought back.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, stated; “We are not running away from this promise. We are a party that honours its commitments, and if road tolls are a means to raise revenue, we will implement them.”
Commenting on the Finance Minister-designate’s assertion regarding the tolls, Nana Akomea believed it is a right decision.
He explained on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show that the country used to make about 80 million cedis from the road tolls but thought the E-Levy would better improve the sector since it was anticipated to give the nation 1 billion cedis, hence the rush to cancel the toll as it was perceived the GHC 80 million is an insignificant fraction as compared to the revenues the E-Levy would bring.
But, he noted, the E-Levy wasn’t satisfactory though its revenues still exceeded the tolls.
He therefore backed the Mahama administration to reintroduce the tolls saying “it is good news. He should bring it back”.
He added; “I believe when you utilize the tax to do good things, people don’t have any problem paying it but paying tax without any improvement in your area is what breeds resentments.”
He also advised the government to ensure the toll is electronic and not manually done as the latter will only bring unnecessary pressure to road users.
Source: Ghmessenger.com
