By Emmanuel Bamfo 
Get ready to reach into your pockets every time you hit a fresh stretch of asphalt! Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has confirmed that the government will toll every single road completed under the Big Push initiative to secure dedicated maintenance funds.
The ministry aims to end the endless cycle of “build and neglect” that leaves newly paved corridors riddled with potholes just a few years later. While nobody loves paying tolls, driving on crater-filled highways costs motorists far more in suspension repairs and blown tires. IMO, establishing a dedicated fund right from day one makes total sense for long-term road quality!
Ending the Era of Build and Neglect
Why do Ghanaian highways deteriorate so quickly after grand commissioning ceremonies? The answer boils down to zero maintenance funding until minor cracks turn into massive gullies.
Minister Agbodza emphasized that the government must raise money immediately to start preserving new assets.
Key Highlights of the Tolling Strategy
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Immediate Revenue Stream: Tolling generates steady cash flow specifically earmarked for prompt repairs.
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Electronic Tolling Systems: Multi-lane, free-flow electronic tolling will replace slow, manual toll booths to prevent traffic jams.
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Contractor Accountability: Rapid-response maintenance contracts will hold construction firms directly responsible for fixing emerging defects.
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Major Highways Included: Flagship routes like the Accra-Kumasi Expressway and major regional interchanges will feature dedicated tolling points.
I remember hitting a sudden pothole on a newly paved highway last year and paying a fortune for a bent rim. Proactive maintenance saves drivers real money and prevents dangerous accidents across national corridors.
Modern Technology Meets Road Maintenance
Instead of bringing back traffic-choking manual booths, the ministry is rolling out digital tolling technology.
The government recently secured parliamentary approval for a 20-year public-private partnership concession to modernize revenue mobilization.
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Free-Flow Traffic: Drivers pass electronic gantries without stopping or queueing in long lines.
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Instant Repairs: Maintenance teams fix small cracks before heavy rain creates huge gullies.
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Protecting Assets: New regulations will also restrict overloaded heavy vehicles to prevent premature road damage.
FYI, paying a small electronic toll beats sitting in traffic for hours or damaging your car engine on unmaintained bypasses!
What This Means for Everyday Drivers
While paying extra fees on public highways always sparks lively debate, motorists ultimately want smooth, safe transit routes. If electronic tolling guarantees top-tier highways for the next 20 years, most commuters will gladly trade a small fee for peace of mind.
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