Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Upper East Region fear losing jobs and livelihoods as the government moves to reintroduce road tolls through an electronic system.
The Upper East Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), Mark Akubire Atiah Ismeal, says the shift could eliminate employment opportunities that previously supported hundreds of PWDs, warning that many risk being excluded entirely from the new system.
On November 18, 2021, the government, through the 2022 budget announced by then Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, abolished road tolls in the country. The decision was aimed at reducing traffic congestion and increasing productivity. The abolishment of road tolls across the country led to job losses for persons who were engaged as toll collectors, many of whom were persons with disabilities.
However, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, indicated that the government is seeking to reintroduce road tolls this year as part of efforts to generate revenue for road maintenance and infrastructure financing. He noted that the process has been delayed due to the competitive bidding process for the road toll contract.
Speaking to A1 Radio, the Upper East Regional President of GFD, Mr. Akubire, mentioned that the group has not received any official communication from the government concerning plans to reintroduce the toll system.
“They haven’t come to our headquarters yet to engage us, and we are waiting for them. We haven’t received any official notice yet regarding the reintroduction of the road toll, but we are hoping to receive it soon,” he stated.
However, he expressed worry that the plan to reintroduce the toll system electronically may deny some of its members opportunities as toll collectors.
“Our biggest concern is the impact this new system will have on our people,” Mr. Akubire said. “The toll booths used to provide employment and dignity for many persons with disabilities. If it goes fully electronic, what happens to us?”
Before the suspension of road tolls in 2021, about 286 PWDs were employed across 35 toll booths nationwide, including Pwalugu in the Upper East Region. For many, it was a vital source of income and independence. But with reports indicating a shift to an electronic toll collection system, Mr. Akubire fears those opportunities could disappear.
“This is not just about policy; it’s about people’s lives. We want to be part of the conversation and part of the solution,” Mr. Akubire emphasized.
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