This is a financial loss to the state – Isaac Adongo reacts to Kwesi Amoako Atta-s decision
Legislator for the Bolgatanga Central constituency Isaac Adongo does not agree with the directive from the Minister of Roads and Highways Kwesi Amoako Atta on the cessation of collection of road tolls citing that it is a clear case of financial loss to the state.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagnin called on the Minister to withdraw the directive or risk facing contempt of Parliament since the new policy announced need parliamentary backing before it takes effect.
The lawmaker during an interview also complained that the said funds that are expected to be collected from the tolls have been appropriated till the end of the year.
“Commitments have been made in respect of the monies made from road tolls, contractors are also on-site working in account of those monies, certificates are lying at the Ministry under the road fund as a result of these monies. Now that collection of tolls has been terminated, who is going to pay?” he asked.
“This will cause a serious financial loss to the state because the appropriation hasn’t expired. All funds that were appropriated for the 2021 Appropriation Act remain to be available to fund 2021.”
An announcement from the Finance Minister scrapping road tolls led to many motorists refusing to pay the tolls and that resulted in disagreement between toll collectors and motorists to the extent of fisticuffs. That according to the Roads and Highways Ministry is the reason it suspended the collections of tolls to “avert further incidents”
The situation led to the Speaker of Parliament calling on the Minister to immediately withdraw the directive stressing that this ought to have been approved by parliament before any action was taken.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
