When Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced in Parliament that government would reintroduce road tolls by the end of 2025, it signalled a major reversal of policy. But for economist Prof. Peter Quartey, the real test is not the announcement itself, but whether Ghana can restore investor confidence and mobilise private capital to fund the 198.7-kilometre Accra–Kumasi Expressway.
In an interview with Joy News, the immediate past Director of the Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) said the expressway can only become the national economic asset government envisions if it is backed by sustainable funding mechanisms, not political assurances alone.
“Government cannot construct every important road in this country alone. That is where public private partnership is important; you can get funding, construct, toll and pay. If that is the concept, then I fully support this expressway because we need better roads,” Prof. Quartey said.
He warned that Ghana’s earlier decision to scrap all road tolls weakened investor trust in the sector. Estimates from various sources suggest the suspension of tolls may have cost the country up to GHS 1 billion annually in potential revenue. Before their removal, tolls generated an average of GHS 78 million per year, while the Ghana Highways Authority spent GHS 18.4 million settling obligations tied to shutting down toll operations.
“Scrapping tolls sends the wrong signal to the private sector,” he said. “Without credible revenue, private investors hesitate to commit resources to projects like this, delaying progress that could boost the economy.”
The reinstatement plan outlined in the 2025 Budget includes a nationwide transition to a modern, digital free-flow electronic tolling system designed to eliminate delays, improve compliance, and expand toll points from 39 to 65. The Ministry of Roads and Highways is structuring the new system under a public–private partnership model to attract investment and enhance efficiency.
The Finance Minister has assured Parliament that toll collection will restart before the end of 2025, with procurement already underway. Priority is being given to Ghanaian-owned companies to operate the system, while ensuring transparency and accountability. The Roads Ministry has also emphasised that toll revenues will be ring-fenced exclusively for road construction and maintenance.
Experts argue that the Accra–Kumasi Expressway is critical for national development. As Ghana’s busiest transport corridor, it connects the country’s two largest cities and serves as a major trade and logistics route. A modern expressway is expected to reduce travel time, lower transport and logistics costs, stimulate industrial activity along the corridor, and enhance regional competitiveness.
Prof. Quartey cited Kenya’s successful PPP expressways as models Ghana can learn from, noting that their structured toll systems have accelerated delivery, guaranteed maintenance, and reduced the fiscal burden on government.
He stressed that without reinstating tolls and leveraging private-sector financing, Ghana risks delaying a project capable of transforming its transport system and catalysing broad-based economic growth.
