The reintroduction of road and bridge tolls in 2025, a key policy approved by the outgoing administration, now faces uncertainty as Ghana transitions to a new government.
The policy, designed to generate revenue for infrastructure development following the controversial removal of tolls in 2022, was part of a broader economic recovery framework. However, its implementation under the new administration remains unclear.
This concern stems from a recurring challenge in Ghana where major projects and policies are often abandoned or left hanging after a change in government. Such discontinuities have historically stalled progress, disrupted economic recovery plans, and left significant gaps in infrastructure development. Against this backdrop, the fate of policies approved by the previous administration is being closely watched.
The operationalization of an integrated property tax system is another critical policy awaiting action. This initiative was introduced to enhance revenue mobilization and broaden the tax base, addressing the country’s fiscal sustainability challenges.
The integrated property tax system requires significant investment in digital infrastructure and public education, setting the stage for a potential overhaul of Ghana’s tax administration.
The review of fiscal responsibility rules also forms part of the approved measures, with the aim of introducing a debt rule to support debt sustainability and creating an independent Fiscal Council. The Fiscal Council was envisioned to enhance fiscal governance and provide oversight, ensuring compliance with the new debt framework.
Before their removal in 2022, road and bridge tolls generated an estimated GH¢39 million monthly, contributing significantly to road maintenance and rehabilitation projects.
The reintroduction of tolls would require investment in modern toll collection systems, including infrastructure upgrades and administrative adjustments.
The financial requirements for implementing the new tolling system, alongside projected revenue from the revised rates, will play a central role in determining the feasibility of the policy.
