A political analyst, Dr Theo Acheampong has called for accountability in the use of monies collected from road tolls across the country.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show Monday, the Economist said that although the increment of toll is a good initiative, government must ensure that the funds mobilised reflects in the transport system we have in Ghana.

“I support the increase in road tolls, I think it is inevitable just because of the inflationary methods that have taken place over 10 years without any adjustment in real terms.

“But we need more accountability on the use, we need to see how the monies actually have been utilized on year by year basis,” he told host Winston Amoah.

Government in its 2021 Budget Statement hinted at an upward review of the current road toll rate in the country as part of its post-Covid-19 economic recovery efforts.

It was explained that funds generated from the new road tolls will be used to improve, maintain and upgrade the roads in the country.

Dr Acheampong added that beyond the increment in road tolls, government must start considering the dualisation of major highways in the country.

Among other pressing issues that dualized roads can solve, the Economist stated that it will significantly boost the economic performance.

“So Accra-Kumasi, Sunyani-Tamale and the Trans-West African Highway. The road management and maintenance aspect and have a private-sector contractor entirely responsible for managing and maintaining our highways.”

Meanwhile, the former Chairman of Road Contractors in Ghana, Ebo Hughton says that the reason roads are in a poor state in the country is as a result of a lack of supervisors at construction sites.

According to Mr Hughton, funds allocated to road construction should be done proportionally and in addition, there should be “effective supervision”.

“Contractors will go and do the roads, and then one and a half to two years, it starts deteriorating. Yes, it is true. But where are the supervisors? Where were they? When these roads were being constructed, where were they?”