The Member of Parliament for Assin Central and business mogul, Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has hinted that Government has plans to bring back the toll booth system for collecting tax, though automated to increase revenue collection.
He made this statement known during a youth empowerment forum held in Koforidua in the Eastern region.
It might be recalled that late last year, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwasi Amoako Atta declared that all toll booths were to be closed down as they were not generating enough revenue for the country.
“The Finance Minister rushed a bit which resulted in misunderstanding. We have over 39 tollbooths in this country but with all the tolls they collect, what goes to government is 68 million cedis. Meanwhile, in a month, Tema motorway alone, they rake in 35 million cedis a month. It is good it has been closed down. How can a Government set up a business for individuals to enrich themselves? Good it has been closed down. What we are going to do now is automation,” he said while answering a question from a participant at a youth empowerment forum in Koforidua on Friday.
He added: “Automated system will take record of every car that passes through so the Government knows how many cars drove through so that the private operator, Government’s calculation will be based on the number of cars recorded.”
“I will tell you, Ghanaians are naturally born bad. 39 tollbooths and you make 68 million cedis and they have enriched themselves”, Mr. Agyapong disclosed.
What’s an Automation Tollbooth System?
It’s simply an Automated toll collection system. It is an innovative method that uses electromagnetic waves to easily identify and track vehicles. This automated tollbooth system when the transaction is done, the system must be able to send message to the owner of the vehicle to notify him how the transaction happened and also be able to automatically open the gate for the vehicle to pass.
In addition, these tollbooths should integrate magnetic modern payment terminals that can be operated digitally.
Anyway, do you agree with the Government to reintroduce tollbooths payment after e-levy bill has been passed?
By: Michael Djan
French Tutor and Digital Marketing Blogger/Content Writer and GhanaWeb Professional Reporter/ frencheducationgh.com