The government has initiated the process of reintroducing road tolls, this time using technology-driven solutions.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways, which is leading the process, is inviting qualified Ghanaian private sector entities to submit tenders for pre-qualification for the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the tolling system.
The process, conducted under the Public Private Partnership Act, 2022 (Act 1039), aims to reintroduce tolling on roads and bridges by modernising 65 tolling points nationwide—an increase from the previous 39 before the suspension—while leveraging advanced technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and revenue generation.
“We are beginning the procurement process, inviting Ghanaian-owned companies or consortiums led by Ghanaians, with at least 51 percent Ghanaian ownership,” the Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Nasir Ahmad Yartey, told the Daily Graphic yesterday.
Scope
He explained that the successful bidder would be responsible for financing and investment—mobilising capital for the tolling system’s modernisation—as well as designing and constructing toll gantries/plazas and related infrastructure through engineering and installation.
Regarding operation and maintenance, the selected bidder would manage toll collection and the associated road and bridge infrastructure, ensuring system reliability. They would implement robust systems to maximise efficiency and minimise revenue leakages.
On technical requirements, applicants must have completed at least five multi-lane free flow tolling systems consisting of a minimum of 20 multi-lane free flow zones within the past five years.
Additionally, they should have completed at least five projects with a centralised toll management system covering a minimum of 10 toll points within the last five years.
Applicants must also have experience with electronic payment systems processing a minimum of 300,000 daily transactions and must have completed at least five similar projects valued at a minimum of $30 million each within the past five years.
Deadline
Mr. Yartey said the deadline for bid submissions is June 19, 2025, and that the entire process should conclude by the end of July, allowing the government to reintroduce tolling thereafter.
The tolling points nationwide have been increased from 39 to 65 because “toll collection is one sure way we can raise revenue for road maintenance and construction in this country,” he added.
The government is aiming to avoid revenue leakages where collected tolls are not accounted for.
“We want a system that will help us block revenue leakages and remove traffic queues at tolling points. That is why we want a traffic-free system,” he said.
Fairness
Another feature of the system is fairness to all Ghanaians.
“Previously, if a poor farmer or trader came from Kasoa to Accra, they paid toll. But someone living in East Legon, using some of our best routes, might not have traveled out of Accra for a whole month but still paid toll, which isn’t fair,” he emphasised.
No Physical Toll Booths
Asked whether physical toll infrastructure would remain, Mr. Yartey explained that there would be no physical toll collection booths. The final design will depend on the winning bid proposal.
“But we have stated clearly that we want a free-flowing traffic tolling system, where people don’t have to stop and pay a toll,” he said.
The government’s policy is to start reintroducing tolls this year, and efforts are underway to meet that timeline.
Source: Graphiconline