Ghanaian economist hails increase in road tolls

An economist, Mr Peter Torsoo, has described the recent increase in road and bridge tolls as a step in the direction because it would reduce government over reliance on unreliable donor funds.

He said the use of tolls has gained popularity around the world today because of its ability to fund infrastructure projects and to cushion budget constraints.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Mr Torsoo said the road network is becoming increasingly important given the growing population and its economic significance.

“It is sad that our leaders always have to go in for huge loans or wait for foreign donor partners before undertaking major road construction project in the country,” he said.

Additionally, he said, such huge loans come with high interest payments, which denied the future generation of a lot of opportunities such as job creation.

He appealed to Ghanaians especially drivers to understand and empathize with government on the issue and advised that if however people feel the rates were too high, they should resort to the appropriate channels for it to be addressed.

Mr Torsoo said in calling for a review it was important to ascertain whether the tolls set could generate enough revenue to cover capital and operating costs as well make some profit.

Mr Torsoo advised the toll collectors to judiciously account for them so that the nation
n benefit fully.

Source: GNA