Electronic Tolls Arrive Q4 2026

Ghana’s Electronic Road Toll System Slated for Q4 2026 Implementation

The Parliament of Ghana’s Roads and Transport Committee has officially announced that the nation’s long-awaited electronic road toll system is scheduled to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2026. This significant development aims to re-establish a consistent and efficient revenue stream for the crucial maintenance and development of the country’s road infrastructure.

Mr. Isaac Adjei Mensah, who chairs the Committee and also serves as the Member of Parliament for Wassa East, shared this timeline with the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra. His statement came as a direct response to recent concerns voiced by the Minority Caucus regarding the pace of the policy’s implementation.

Addressing Criticisms and Justifying the Rollout

Mr. Adjei Mensah firmly defended the government’s approach, stating that all necessary feasibility studies and preparatory processes are nearing completion. He asserted that the Minority Caucus lacks a sound moral basis to critique the speed at which the electronic toll policy is being rolled out.

He reminded the press that prior to its abolition by a previous administration, the manual road toll system was generating approximately GH¢60 million monthly for the state. The Committee’s position is that the discontinuation of these tolls led to substantial revenue losses, rendering the Minority’s criticisms unfounded and misplaced.

Broader Infrastructure Initiatives Under Scrutiny

Beyond the electronic toll system, the Roads and Transport Committee also addressed other key infrastructure issues that have been points of discussion, particularly those raised by the Minority. These include the awarding of road contracts under the government’s ambitious “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.

The Committee provided clarification on the procurement processes for these contracts. It was revealed that out of the 400 contracts awarded, only 44 per cent were secured through sole sourcing. The remaining contracts were awarded via competitive bidding processes, suggesting a commitment to transparency and value for money in infrastructure development.

Key Infrastructure Projects and Financial Restructuring

Several other vital national projects and financial adjustments were also discussed during the press briefing. These included:

• The Boankra Inland Port Project: This critical logistics hub is expected to significantly enhance Ghana’s trade and transit capabilities.
• The Mpakadan Railway System: This railway line is a key component of the country’s transportation network, aiming to improve connectivity and reduce transit times.
• Restructuring of the Road Fund: The Committee detailed plans to transform the existing Road Fund into a more robust “Road Maintenance Trust Fund.” This restructuring is intended to ensure dedicated and sustainable funding for road upkeep.
• Part Payment of Road Arrears: The government has made a partial payment of GH¢107 billion towards outstanding road arrears, a move aimed at settling long-standing debts and potentially freeing up contractors for new projects.

The overarching message from the Roads and Transport Committee is that the implementation of the electronic toll system is a strategic move designed to restore a stable and predictable revenue stream. This revenue is deemed essential for the continuous maintenance of existing roads and the funding of future infrastructure development projects. The electronic system is also expected to bring about greater transparency and efficiency in the collection of tolls, moving away from the potential for leakages associated with manual systems. The commitment to these infrastructural advancements underscores the government’s focus on national development and economic growth.