Edward Duncan, General Secretary of the Road Toll Workers Union, has expressed optimism about the planned reintroduction of road tolls in Ghana—this time in a more modernised, technology-driven form.
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, recently announced the government’s intention to reintroduce toll collection as part of efforts to boost national revenue, with some companies already competing for bid.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Kafui Dey on Monday, August 4, Mr. Duncan revealed that the union has welcomed the news, especially after years of unemployment following the closure of toll booths by the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
“All of us lost our jobs when the closure happened but upon engagement with the current Minister, we’ve come to understand that the tolling points might increase and then that will also translate into employments. Even though there will not be structures on the roads for people to be handing over cash, but certainly there will be jobs. Machines, it will with technology, AI, cameras and computers and all that. so there will be some sort of employment.”
Mr. Duncan explained that the revamped tolling system will rely on technology such as artificial intelligence, cameras, and automated machines, which still require human oversight and maintenance.
He noted that roles such as cleaners, security personnel, supervisors, and IT technicians will be essential to support the system.
“The Ghana Toll Workers Association comprises of money coordinators, supervisors, cleaners and security. So the new toll system-cleaners will be needed, security and then also IT technicians and all that. So we are still engaging the Minister and we are hopeful that at least, some of our members will get the opportunity to go back to work,” he added.
He further indicated that the union is engaging the Roads Ministry to explore opportunities for training members—especially those with IT backgrounds—to ensure they can take advantage of the jobs that will be created.
“The Minister has assured us of that but they have not selected the operator yet, so when they do, they’ll factor that into it,” Duncan concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
