Kumasi, Feb. 4, GNA - A private business man in Kumasi has called for the suspension of the recent announcement of the increase in road and bridge tolls until the concerns of all stakeholders have been considered in the determination of the rates.

Mr Opoku Agyeman Prempeh, Managing Director of Lakayana Company Limited, a Kumasi based revenue generation and collection agency, which made the call in Kumasi on Thursday, therefore appealed to government to rescind its decision on the new tolls to allow for a fair and acceptable fee. He said this has become imperative given the public outcry and controversy that the new rates had generated. Mr Prempeh said travelers are currently bearing the brunt of the increases, which should not be the case. He said while some transport unions and drivers have arbitrarily raised fares, others also pick passengers and drop them at points close to toll booths.

Mr Prempeh said even though the increases were long overdue, the high percentage rise gave cause for concern. He recognized road tolls as one area, which has great potential to rake in enormous revenue to rehabilitate roads, especially those in rural areas. Mr Prempeh said toll booths were therefore needed in all major highways and feeder roads.

He said it was, however, important that the rates were fixed taking into account the economic situation of Ghanaians. Mr Prempeh further called on government to engage the private sector in the collection of the tolls in order to derive maximum revenue. He advised transport unions and drivers who have decided to increase fares or withdraw their services to reconsider their decision and rather dialogue with government to arrive at a compromise. Mr Prempeh again appealed to the transport unions to engage legal services for drivers, who come in conflict with road traffic regulations and rules. This, he said, would not only help to prevent the "unjustifiable" remand and imprisonment of drivers by the courts but also reduce extortion and bribe demands on them by Motor Traffic and Transport Unit officials. 4 Feb. 10