The former Tein vice President of the University of Ghana Jerry Kwaku Asiedu has condemned the recent decision of the minister for roads and highways Hon. Kwesi Amoako Attah to reintroduce the collection of road tolls after an unlawful closure of the tollbooths, stating that the minister’s decision is a clear violation of the constitution and total disrespect to the laws of the land.

The former Tein vice President of the University of Ghana Jerry Kwaku Asiedu has condemned the recent decision of the minister for roads and highways Hon. Kwesi Amoako Attah to reintroduce the collection of road tolls after an unlawful closure of the tollbooths, stating that the minister’s decision is a clear violation of the constitution and total disrespect to the laws of the land.

According to The former TEIN-UG Vice President, the suspension of road tolls has caused significant economic hardship to the state, depriving it of much-needed revenue. The revenue generated from road tolls is crucial in financing road maintenance and construction projects. Without this revenue, the government will have to rely on other sources of funding, which may not be readily available, leading to further economic hardship for citizens.

Furthermore, the minister’s decision to borrow an amount of 558,000 Euros, close to four Million Cedis, to build new toll booths is unacceptable. The existing toll booths have been abandoned since the suspension of road tolls, and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has urged the government to demolish them for the sake of road safety. Instead of demolishing them, the minister plans to convert them into toilets and urinals, which is a waste of resources.

This is what he said:

THE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS DECISION TO REINTRODUCE ROAD TOLLS AFTER AN UNLAWFUL CLOSURE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

“As a concern and patriotic citizen of this land, I strongly condemn the decision by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwesi Amoako Attah, on the suspension and closure of tollbooths and his recent decision to reintroduce the collection of road tolls after its suspension. This decision is not only unconstitutional but also unacceptable as it has caused significant economic hardship to the state, depriving it of much-needed revenue.

Article 174 of the Constitution of Ghana states that “all revenues or other public moneys raised or received by or on behalf of the Government shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.” The revenue generated from road tolls is crucial in financing road maintenance and construction projects. Without this revenue, the government will have to rely on other sources of funding, which may not be readily available, leading to further economic hardship for citizens.

Furthermore, the minister’s decision to borrow an amount of 558,000 Euros, close to four Million Cedis, to build new toll booths is unacceptable. Article 181(5) of the Constitution of Ghana requires that “no loan shall be raised by the Government on behalf of itself or any public institution or authority otherwise than by or under the authority of an Act of Parliament.” The minister’s decision to borrow without parliamentary approval is a violation of the Constitution.

The existing toll booths have been abandoned since the suspension of road tolls, and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has urged the government to demolish them for the sake of road safety. Instead of demolishing them, the minister plans to convert them into toilets and urinals, which is a waste of resources. This decision is not only a waste of resources but also a violation of Article 36(2) of the Constitution of Ghana, which requires that “the State shall take appropriate measures to ensure that public property is protected against waste, damage or loss.”
The violation of the Constitution by the minister and the economic hardship caused by the suspension of road tolls call for necessary actions to be taken against him. Article 146(1) of the Constitution of Ghana provides for the removal of public officials who violate the law or act outside their mandate. Therefore, the president should initiate proceedings to remove the minister from office for his illegal suspension of road tolls and unconstitutional consideration to reintroduce them. Additionally, the minister should be held accountable for the losses incurred by the state due to his misbehavior.

In conclusion, it is time to hold public officials accountable for their actions and ensure that they act in the interest of the country. The suspension of road tolls was unconstitutional and illegal, causing significant losses to the state. The reintroduction of road tolls without due process is equally unconstitutional and illegal. It is time for the government to take the necessary actions to ensure that such violations do not occur in the future.”