Hawkers at the Bechem and Tuobodom toll booths in the Ahafo and Bono East Regions are positive about the government’s plan to reintroduce road and bridge tolls in 2025, after the three-year pause.
According to them, their optimistic that the return of tolls will boost their businesses, which have struggled during the suspension of toll collection on major highways.
Vendors along the Sunyani-Kumasi and Techiman-Tamale routes have faced significant challenges due to reduced vehicle stops. Mercy Anima, a vendor at Bechem, expressed relief, noting that the return of toll booths is expected to revive their livelihoods after years of hardship.
“With fewer vehicles stopping, our sales declined. The reinstatement of tolls means more drivers and passengers will stop, which is important for our sales,” she said.
Cecilia Afra, who sells vegetables at the Tuobodom toll booth and has been in business for over seven years, explained similar sentiments.
“When the tolls were canceled, our sales dropped drastically because fewer vehicles were stopping. With the tolls back, more drivers and passengers will stop, and we can make good sales again”, she emphasized.
Some hawkers are however skeptical with regards to the timing of the tolls’ return, indicating that it might be a political operation ahead of the upcoming elections.
“It feels like the government is only doing this to win votes because why now, right before the elections? It seems like part of their usual political games”, some of the hawkers questioned.
The government’s plans to reintroduce road tolls next year, requires significant renovations for the Bechem and Tuobodom toll booths.
Both structures are currently in a state of disrepair, showing the effects of the three years neglect. Rust, peeling paint, and broken windows have left these once lively hubs, abandoned and cloaked in cobwebs dirt.
