Just pay one cedi, only one cedi – Mahama hints of modality for reintroduction of road tolls

President John Dramani Mahama, has announced a new way the government wants to bring back road tolls—but this time, he says, it will be done in a more modern and digital way.

Speaking at the 2025 Ghana CEOs’ Summit in Accra on Monday, May 26.

President Mahama explained that the government will no longer use the old system where cars stop at toll booths and drivers pay cash.

Instead, the government is considering a system where each car will be connected to the owner’s Ghana Card, and when the car passes through a toll location, a camera will take a photo and send the GH¢1.00 charge straight to the car owner’s mobile money or bank account.

“There is no need for the old toll booths with people standing there to collect money. We will digitise it. The moment you pass, your Ghana Card will be linked to your car, and you will be charged just GH¢1,” he said.

President Mahama added that this idea is one of the proposals in the 2025 Economic Policy and Budget Statement, which outlines how the government plans to manage the economy, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.

“If you cross the East Legon Bridge, we’ll just take a picture of your car and send the bill to your mobile money account. You just pay one cedi, that’s all,” he said jokingly, adding that even the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and the Finance Minister would be happy with that arrangement.

Why the Change?

Ghanaians will recall that in 2021, the collection of road tolls was stopped after the then Finance Minister announced the decision during the reading of the budget. This created debate across the country, with some Ghanaians welcoming the idea while others strongly opposed it, especially tollbooth workers who lost their jobs overnight.

Now, in 2025, the Mahama administration says it wants to reintroduce the tolls, but in a smarter way that uses technology and reduces traffic congestion.

According to the President, this new system will:

Eliminate long queues at tollbooths

Prevent corruption and theft of toll revenue

Ensure easy and traceable payment

Link car owners directly to their vehicles through the Ghana Card

“Today, every car is linked to the owner’s Ghana Card. That gives us a unique opportunity to make road tolls efficient and clean. No more excuses,” he stressed.

He added that the days of having people open the toll barrier and collect physical cash are over. “We are going digital,” he said.

How Will the New System Work?

Under the new proposal:

Every registered vehicle in Ghana will be linked to the owner’s Ghana Card.

As the vehicle passes through a digital toll point, a camera captures the number plate.

The system checks the vehicle’s Ghana Card information and sends a GH¢1.00 charge to the owner’s mobile money wallet or bank account.

The vehicle owner then gets a notification and the amount is deducted or paid through the chosen channel.

This will make Ghana one of the first West African countries to implement a fully cashless tolling system.

A Win-Win for Government and Drivers?

President Mahama believes this new tolling method is simple, fair, and can help the country raise more money to fix roads.

“It’s just one cedi. If you are using our roads and bridges, it’s only right to contribute something small to help maintain them,” he noted.

He said the money collected will be used strictly for road maintenance, construction of new highways, and improvement of transport infrastructure.

While some may worry about the privacy of such a system, others believe it could bring discipline and order to road usage in the country.

Already, social media in Ghana is buzzing with mixed reactions.

Some drivers are happy with the digital idea, saying it will save them time and reduce harassment.

Others want the government to make sure the system is transparent and that people are not overcharged or charged wrongly.

Ghana CEOs’ Summit: Setting the Tone for Economic Reset

The announcement came during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Ghana CEOs’ Summit, a major gathering of business leaders, top executives, and policymakers in Ghana.

This year’s summit was held under the theme:

“Leading Ghana’s Economic Reset: Transforming Business and Governance for a Sustainable Futuristic Economy – A Private-Public Sector CEO Dialogue & High-Impact Learning.”

President Mahama praised the event, describing it as one of the most important platforms for sharing strategic ideas between government and the private sector.

“Over the years, the Ghana CEOs’ Summit has become the number one place where we discuss serious economic matters.

It brings together the real movers and shakers of the Ghanaian economy,” he said.

He commended the organisers for choosing a theme that fits the current moment, explaining that Ghana, like many countries, is trying to recover from recent economic challenges, including inflation, rising debt, and currency depreciation.

“This theme is just perfect. It encourages us to reflect on our past, admit where we made mistakes, and chart a new path for the future,” he stated.

Ernest De-Graft Egyir: The Man Behind the Summit

The founder of the Ghana CEOs’ Summit, Mr. Ernest De-Graft Egyir, also spoke at the event.

He emphasised how the Summit has played a key role in shaping Ghana’s business policies, promoting innovation, and helping leaders find new ways to grow the economy.

He expressed gratitude to President Mahama for being a regular guest speaker at the event and for his continued support for public-private dialogue.

“Your presence here today shows your deep commitment to national development and partnership with the private sector,” Mr. Egyir said.

He encouraged CEOs and business leaders to take advantage of the knowledge and networking opportunities the Summit provides.

Ghanaians React: What People Are Saying

After the President’s remarks, many Ghanaians began to discuss the proposal on social media, in offices, and even in trotro conversations.

Here are some reactions:

Kwame Mensah, a taxi driver at Circle: “This one cedi is small, I can pay. But make sure it’s used well. Our roads are bad.”

Afia Boateng, a banker in Kumasi: “I like the digital idea. It’s time we moved away from always handling cash.”

Yaw Obeng, a civil servant: “If they can link it well with the Ghana Card and prevent double charges, I support it.”

Ama Dufie, a university student: “I just hope they won’t use this to spy on us or take our money unfairly.”

What Next?

Now that the idea has been announced.

Ghanaians are waiting to see when the digital toll system will start and how the government will implement it.

Parliament is expected to debate parts of the 2025 budget that include this new tolling proposal.

The Ministries of Finance, Roads and Highways, and Communications will also play key roles in setting up the technology and systems.

Conclusion

President Mahama’s proposal to reintroduce road tolls using digital systems linked to the Ghana Card marks a major shift in how government collects revenue from road users.

It is a clear attempt to modernise infrastructure financing, reduce leakages, and promote transparency.