Mahama proposes digital toll system to replace manual gates

President John Dramani Mahama has called for Ghana to switch from manual toll booths to a fully digital tolling system.

Speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit, he highlighted the country’s progress in digital infrastructure. He noted that the Ghana Card now links to services such as driver’s licenses and vehicle registration, making digital tolls a viable option.

“Today, every vehicle is connected to the owner’s Ghana Card,” Mahama stated. “We don’t need outdated toll gates or swipe cards anymore. We should go fully digital.”

Explaining how the system would work, he said cameras at toll points, such as the East Legon bridge, could capture vehicles in real time. The toll fee would then be automatically deducted from a linked mobile money wallet or bank account.

“If the toll is one cedi, the system takes a photo of your car, sends you a bill, and makes the deduction instantly,” he explained.

Mahama stressed that this approach would reduce road congestion and increase efficiency. It would also eliminate delays caused by manual toll collection.

Furthermore, he noted that digital tolling aligns with Ghana’s plans to reintroduce road tolls in a smarter, less disruptive way. By using existing digital infrastructure, the government could collect revenue without inconveniencing road users.

The event, themed “Leading Ghana’s Economic Reset: Transforming Business and Governance for a Sustainable Futuristic Economy,” brought together top executives and policymakers.