The Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, says government plans to reintroduce road tolls in a bid to tackle a significant financing gap in road infrastructure.

He noted that the development was expected to generate substantial revenue for the road sector.

Speaking during a high-level panel discussion marking the 50th anniversary of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), Mr. Asenso-Boakye stressed the critical role of road infrastructure in the socio-economic development of the country.

He noted that road transport accounts for approximately 95% of all transportation in the country.

“The need for increased funding for the road sector is both urgent and evident,” the Minister emphasised, as the nation grapples with a road network where only 44% of roads are in good condition, against a target of 70% by 2025.

He said despite significant progress under the current administration, which had added 12,830 kilometres of roads, compared to the 4,636 kilometers added by the previous administration, much work remained to be done.

“Government resources alone are insufficient to bridge this gap,” he stated, stressing the importance of exploring innovative financing models and public-private partnerships.

Given the Minister of Finance’s recent announcement to reintroduce road and bridge tolls in 2025, Mr Asenso-Boakye said his outfit had already began taking steps toward this goal, viewing tolling as a promising revenue source.

He cited the Korea Expressway Corporation, which generates $4 billion annually from tolls, as an example of the potential revenue such measures could yield.

The Minister also called for increased engagement with private sector partners and international development agencies such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

He said these partnerships were vital for leveraging additional funds and expertise, essential for the ambitious road development projects Ghana envisions.

Mr Asenso-Boakye revealed that the government was preparing to establish a National Roads Authority, which would unify the country’s three implementing agencies into a single entity.

This new Authority aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and create a more coordinated approach to road management, thereby enhancing the capacity to deliver better infrastructure and maintenance services.