Asenso-Boakye Sets Record Straight On Toll Reintroduction

Francis Asenso-Boakye, the MP for Bantama, has responded to President John Mahama's claims about road tolls.

Asenso-Boakye is a former Minister for Roads and Highways. He released a statement titled “Reintroduction of Road Tolls: Setting the Record Straight.”

He emphasized that the current digital tolling initiative was started by the NPP government.

While he appreciates the government's push for digital transformation, he finds it misleading. He stated that this initiative is not new or original.

“The digitization of road toll collection was conceived by the NPP government,” he said.

Asenso-Boakye provided a timeline of events regarding toll collection. In 2021, the NPP decided to suspend manual toll collection. This decision was based on four key issues: low revenue, traffic congestion, increased vehicle costs, and revenue leakages.

The NPP used its digital infrastructure investments to plan a modern system. By 2024, Cabinet approved a proposal to reintroduce tolls digitally through a Public-Private Partnership model.

A Ghanaian company was selected through feasibility studies and assessments. A Concessions Agreement was prepared but could not be finalized before Parliament dissolved.

“Instead of continuing this process,” Asenso-Boakye said, “the new administration chose to start over.”

He respects their right to choose their path but believes credit should remain with those who initiated it.

In conclusion, Asenso-Boakye urged for continuity instead of political repackaging. He believes Ghanaians deserve leadership that builds on progress rather than claiming others' work as their own.