In a pivotal policy statement drawing attention across West Africa, Ghana’s Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has confirmed plans to bring back road toll collection on highways and major routes. This announcement signals a major shift in Ghana’s approach to road infrastructure funding and public revenue generation—one that could have ripple effects for neighboring countries like Nigeria, where similar debates unfold over tolling and public finances.
This proposed reinstatement comes after the previous administration, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, decided in its 2022 national budget to eliminate tolls entirely. In their place, the government implemented the highly debated Electronic Transfer Levy (popularly called the E-Levy), seeking to tax digital financial transactions. The E-Levy quickly sparked controversy, with many Ghanaian citizens and opposition groups—especially members of the NDC—expressing concern over the burden on ordinary people and the perceived lack of direct benefit from scrapping toll booths.
Facing questions during his parliamentary vetting session on Monday, January 13th, Dr. Forson restated the Mahama administration’s “firm resolve” to return to the tolling system as an important part of boosting government revenue and, by extension, supporting road maintenance and new infrastructure projects. He clarified that toll collection would be reintroduced nationwide, suggesting a potential reimagining of how Ghanaians—and by extension, West Africans—share responsibility for public roads.
The NDC indicated from day one that a road toll will come back. We are not running away from it. In fact, the Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, at the time the Minority Leader, said that the NDC promises to bring back the road toll. We have not run away from that fact.
So I can assure you we are a party that sticks to our promises. And whatever we have promised to do, we’ll do just that. If the road toll is a way to raise revenue, we’ll raise the revenue and the road toll.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson
During the parliamentary hearing, Dr. Forson highlighted the economic and practical rationale behind embracing tolls once more.
If you use the road, you have to pay a toll. And it’s all over the world. Ghana won’t be the first country, won’t be the last one.
You have to contribute towards road maintenance. And so, the only thing is we have to collect the revenue effectively and efficiently so that we can plough it towards the maintenance of those roads.
He also underscored the Mahama-led government’s electoral promise to abolish certain “nuisance taxes” soon after assuming office—a pledge that includes scrapping the much-maligned 10% tax on sports betting and the E-Levy, both of which are considered unpopular amongst many young Ghanaians and working-class earners. According to Dr. Forson, these changes would be implemented within the first 120 days of the new administration’s term, sending a clear signal that the new government aims to lower tax burdens while still finding sustainable ways to generate funds for development.
Why Road Tolls Matter in West Africa
For years, toll collection has been a familiar but often contentious feature on roads across West Africa. In Nigeria, motorists on major expressways like the Lagos-Ibadan and Lekki-Epe roads regularly pay tolls, sparking recurring debates about transparency in revenue use, maintenance standards, and the impact on daily commuters. Ghana’s own on-and-off relationship with tolls highlights a broader challenge: how can governments balance the need for steady infrastructure funding with the realities facing ordinary citizens and businesses?
Nigerian Insights: Lessons from Ghana’s Experience
For many Nigerians, the situation in Ghana offers a mirror to homegrown frustrations. “We’ve seen toll monies collected for years, but our roads hardly improve,” commented Chinedu Okonkwo, a transport union chairman in Lagos. “If Ghana is reintroducing it, the question is: will the money actually fix the roads, or will it just add to our expenses?”
Ghana’s decision may offer Nigeria a chance to reflect on best practices and reform. For example, transparency and credible use of toll revenues could help build public trust. As Dr. Amina Bello, a Nigerian transport policy researcher, says, “Clear mechanisms for tracking revenue—not just from collecting tolls but how it’s spent—are crucial if the public’s to support these measures.”
Comparing E-Levy and Toll Collection: Who Benefits?
The Ghanaian experiment with the E-Levy—a tax applied to electronic money transfers—was touted as a modern solution to rising infrastructure needs. However, it faced resistance from both the formal sector and informal traders reliant on mobile money. Critics, including the NDC, argued that removing tolls in favor of the E-Levy unfairly targeted the digitally active and did not guarantee better roads or enhanced public services.
By pledging to scrap the E-Levy and restore toll collection, Dr. Forson suggests a return to a “user pays” model, in which infrastructure users directly contribute to the network’s upkeep. Some observers believe this could be fairer if managed well, but warn that it may still hit commercial drivers, intercity travelers, and frequent commuters hardest.
Stakeholder and Community Voices
Reactions among Ghanaians—and those watching from neighboring West African countries—are mixed. Traders in Accra and Kumasi, interviewed by The Finder, expressed cautious optimism: “If tolls mean we get better roads and less traffic jams, maybe it’s worth it. But only if the money is used well,” stated Ama Mensah, a small-scale trader.
Meanwhile, some West African policy analysts, including officials from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), view Ghana’s move as a signpost. “It’s a discussion we must have in Nigeria,” said John Oluwasegun, FRSC spokesperson. “But we must prioritize public accountability and ease of payment, learning from both Ghana’s E-Levy controversy and their new approach.”
Challenges and Potential Pitfalls
- Transparency Concerns: Without clear reporting, there is a risk that funds from tolls might not be used transparently, echoing past criticisms in both Ghana and Nigeria.
- Public Pushback: Citizens may see tolls as another economic burden, particularly if improvements are not immediate or visible.
- Administrative Costs: Reintroducing toll collection requires investments in infrastructure, technology, and staff training to prevent revenue leakage and corruption.
- Cross-border Traffic: For traders, drivers, and transport operators traveling between West African states, differing policies can lead to delays, confusion, and increased costs.
Looking Forward: Policy Takeaways and Regional Implications
As Ghana charts a new course for road funding, the debate about tolls versus indirect taxation remains relevant far beyond its borders. If successful, this approach could set a standard for other nations grappling with similar challenges. Nigerian policymakers, in particular, may be watching closely as they seek ways to fix deteriorating roads, expand highways, and invest in modern transport, all while facing budget pressures.
Dr. Forson’s commitment to eliminating unpopular taxes like the E-Levy and betting tax, alongside reintroducing tolls, hints at an effort to win back public trust and enhance the fairness of the tax system. The Nigerian government and other West African administrations may consider similar reforms, especially as technology shapes payment systems and the population demands greater accountability in governance.
International observers, such as the African Union and World Bank, often advocate hybrid systems that combine tolling with broader-based taxes—provided there is transparency and citizen engagement in how funds are allocated.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Ghana and West Africa
Ultimately, Ghana’s decision to reinstate toll collection—while phasing out contentious taxes—could reshape how public infrastructure is funded in the region. The big question remains: will everyday Ghanaians and their West African neighbors see tangible improvements as a result?
The outcome will depend on diligent policy execution, transparent fund management, and consistent public communication. Nigeria’s own road users, urban planners, and finance experts will be drawing lessons from this Ghanaian policy reboot, considering whether similar pathways can—or should—be adopted at home.
What are your thoughts on road tolls versus indirect taxes like the E-Levy? Do you think reintroducing tolls could work in Nigeria and other West African countries? Share your perspective below and let’s get the conversation started!
