Free Flow Of Traffic In, Out Of Legon As Road Toll Suspended

Motorists moving in and out of the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon now have unhindered access, as the authorities of the premier university have made good their word to suspend the collection of road tolls as directed by the government.

Motorists were made to pay various charges, depending on the type of vehicle they drove, before accessing the campus roads prior to the suspension of the toll.

The university authorities on Friday announced that they were going to suspend the collection of tolls following a government directive from the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

When the Daily Graphic visited the campus Monday, collection points at the two entry points at the Okponglo end had been removed for motorists to move freely without paying a dime.
Outstanding issues

The decision by the university to collect tolls, which started in February this year, generated massive controversy.

However, with the decision of the university to comply with the government’s directive, the controversy is almost over.

Some issues, however, remain outstanding.

One is how the university authorities intend to manage the rather increasing traffic on the campus roads, following the suspension of the user charges.

The Governing Council of the university is expected to issue a communique indicating traffic management measures on the campus.

The other burning issue, which the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ernest Aryeetey, articulated at a recent meeting with members of the media, is the timely repayment of the loan by the government.

A dialogue to discuss the modalities for the repayment is expected to take place soon between the university authorities and the government, represented by the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

A legal suit by two students of the university seeking a constitutional interpretation of the university’s action is pending at the Supreme Court.
Background

The Ministry of Roads and Highways had prevailed upon the authorities of the university to allow the campus to be used as a thoroughfare during the construction of the N1 Highway.

That led to the deterioration of the campus roads, as a result of which the university secured a loan of GH¢8 million to rehabilitate them.

The collection of the tolls was, therefore, being done by the authorities to pay back the loan and also help in the maintenance of the new roads.