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The designated Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has revealed that the government will hire more People with Disabilities (PWD) to collect road tolls.
According to the minister, the current allocation of 50% of people with disabilities who collect tolls is expected to increase to more than 70%.
In February 2020, the first batch of 74 PWDs were hired by the Ministry to work at toll booths across the country and 126 more were expected to be hired later.
The measure, according to the designated Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, is in line with a government initiative to create job opportunities for people with disabilities in ministries, departments and agencies (MDA).
“We have about 1 million People with Disabilities in the country, and they too must earn a living like all of us and they have the right to it like all of us. That is why the government of President Akufo-Addo made it possible for them to be hired at the toll booth because the services and work are adjusted to their physical condition.
“As of now, we have about 50% of people with disabilities working in the sector. However, it is unfortunate that some of them are not being treated fairly, which cannot be tolerated. And we are even determined to bring the percentage to 70%, ”he said.
Commenting on the toll rate, Amoako-Atta hinted that a proposal will be presented to Cabinet to increase the tolls paid by drivers in the country.
According to the minister, an increase will allow the government to mobilize the necessary resources for the development of road infrastructure.
“Are people willing to pay more to get good roads or should they get good roads before paying? Will Ghanaians be willing to pay more as we are seeing in other parts of the world?
“Ghanaians should be prepared to pay for good roads,” he said.
