The Ministry of Roads and Highways has said from midnight of today, Thursday, November 18, the collection of road and bridge tolls will cease on all public roads across the country.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service would be on hand to provide security at the toll locations after midnight today, the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry, therefore, advised motorists to approach the locations with caution and observe all safety measures that will be put in place.
“The motoring public will be advised of further measures in due course,” it added.
The directive follows the Government’s abolition of road and bridge tolls as announced in the 2022 Budget Statement presented by the Minister of Finance at Parliament, on Wednesday.
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Mr Ken Ofori-Atta told Parliament that the proposal would take effect after the budget has been approved.
Presenting the 2022 budget in Parliament, Mr Ofori-Atta said the abolition of road tolls was meant to reduce the heavy traffic caused by road tolls.
He also said this will enhance productivity and reduce environmental pollution.
“Over the years, the tolling points have become unhealthy market centres, led to heavy traffic on our roads, lengthened travel time from one place to another, and impacted negatively on productivity. The congestion generated at the tolling points, besides creating these inconveniences, also leads to pollution in and around those vicinities," the Finance explained.
“To address these challenges, the Government has abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges.
"This takes effect immediately the Budget is approved. The toll collection personnel will be reassigned. The expected impact on productivity and reduced environmental pollution will more than offset the revenue forgone by removing the tolls,” he said.