We’ll build best tolling system in Africa — Roads Minister

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, has reiterated the government’s commitment to reintroduce a technologically driven tolling system to generate revenue for road infrastructure development.

To this end, the minister has announced that Ghana would soon launch its own electronic tolling system, with the ambitious goal of creating “the best road tolling system in Africa”.

“We are not settling for anything less than excellence,” he said, emphasising the importance of innovation, and expressing the government’s determination to overcome any doubt regarding the reintroductions of tolls.

The minister was speaking yesterday during a courtesy call on him by the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Hüseyin Güngör, in Accra. 

Procurement process

Mr Agbodza said the ministry was currently in the process of obtaining approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to select a transaction advisor.

“Transparency is a priority, and we welcome all capable organisations to participate in the selection process.

We want the best technical and financial proposal that can make us operate a very sustainable tolling system," he stated.

“My ministry will keep the public informed about the progress of the tolling system's development and the selection process for the transaction advisor.

In a few days, the advertisement for the selection of the transaction advisor should be out.

Together, we will pave the way for a brighter future in road infrastructure,” he said.

The discussions also touched on the potential for Turkish investors to invest in the development of the country’s road infrastructure through the government’s flagship infrastructure development programme, dubbed “The Big Push”.

The minister further highlighted the potential for technical cooperation between the two countries, and invited Turkish engineers to share their expertise in road tolling systems.

“We are ready to collaborate and learn from successful models, particularly from those in Turkey that utilise technology instead of traditional toll booths.

Our partnership could lay a strong foundation for Ghana's new tolling system, ensuring it is both efficient and sustainable,” the minister added.