From midnight of Thursday, November 18, the collection of road and bridge tolls must cease on all public roads across the country, the Ministry of Roads and Highways has directed.

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.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta told Parliament that the proposal would take effect after the budget had been approved.

However, a statement signed by Mr Kwasi Amoako-Attah, the sector minister, and shared with the Ghana News Agency, said the directive would take effect from 1200 am on Thursday.

The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service would be on hand to provide security at the toll locations from the effective date, it said.

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

Presenting the 2022 budget in Parliament today, Mr Ofori-Atta said the abolition of road tolls was meant to reduce the heavy traffic caused by road tolls and to 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.”

Source:GNA