The Tollbooth Workers Association of Ghana has renewed its appeal to the government to reintroduce road tolls, arguing that the system previously generated significant revenue for the country while providing employment opportunities for hundreds of workers.
Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based Silver FM/TV, the General Secretary of the Association, Mr. Duncan, said the closure of tollbooths dealt a major blow to revenue mobilisation and deprived many workers of their livelihoods.
According to him, the association, which comprises more than 800 former tollbooth workers, remains hopeful that the government’s proposed digital toll collection system will be implemented as promised.
Mr. Duncan noted that a digitised road toll system would improve revenue collection, reduce traffic congestion at toll points, and enhance efficiency through modern technology.
He further stated that the reintroduction of tolls would create employment opportunities and contribute to national development through increased funding for road infrastructure.
Meanwhile, a member of the association, Dominic Kyei Manu, expressed disappointment over what he described as the neglect of former tollbooth workers following the suspension of toll collection operations.
He claimed that many workers who lost their jobs were promised alternative employment opportunities that never materialised, leaving them without a source of income.
Mr. Kyei Manu said the situation has caused frustration among affected workers, some of whom feel abandoned after years of service.
Despite their concerns, the association commended the current government and the Minister for Roads and Highways for efforts aimed at restoring road toll collection.
Mr. Duncan expressed optimism that the planned reintroduction of tolls would create an avenue for former workers to regain employment and contribute to the operation of the new system.
The association has therefore called on the government to expedite plans to reintroduce road tolls and ensure that affected workers are considered in the implementation process.
