Smart road tolling system to be rolled out by end of 2025 – Roads Minister

The government has announced plans to roll out a smart road tolling system by the end of the year, as part of its broader efforts to modernize transportation infrastructure and generate sustainable funding for road development.

Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, made the announcement during the launch of the national stakeholders' engagement on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway project. He revealed that the smart tolling initiative is intended to replace the outdated manual toll booths, which he described as increasingly burdensome for road users.

The decision to introduce smart tolls comes in the wake of the 2021 removal of physical tolls by the previous administration, following the introduction of the E-Levy. That move faced criticism from various stakeholders who argued it stripped the government of a critical revenue source needed to tackle the country’s growing road infrastructure challenges.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Agbodza emphasized the benefits of a more modernized system.

“This campaign is designed to foster open dialogue, build trust, and ensure that the voices of our affected communities are heard, understood, and integrated into the project's planning and implementation processes. It is both an honor and a privilege to stand here as the Minister for Roads and Highways to inaugurate this critical initiative."

He praised ECOWAS for adopting a similar smart tolling model as part of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway project, a transformative cross-border initiative that will connect Ghana with Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria through a six-lane dual carriageway.

“This programme, led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), represents a historic milestone in our collective quest to transform the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor into a modern, efficient six-lane dual carriageway with supporting infrastructure. This project is a testament to our shared commitment to regional integration, economic transformation, and sustainable development—key pillars of our nations' strategic growth agendas."

“It underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering connectivity, stimulating economic opportunities, and strengthening the unity of our West African community,” he added.

Mr. Agbodza also called on project managers to ensure that local communities benefit directly from the initiative through skills development and employment opportunities. He encouraged Ghanaians to embrace the project and take full advantage when it begins.

Managing Consultant and CEO for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor project, David Nwedu, also stressed the importance of community engagement. He noted that with over $10 billion expected to be invested, ensuring that the voices of affected residents are heard is crucial to the project’s long-term success. The project is slated to commence in 2027.