Ghana Toll Roads Complete Guide: Smart System, Rates & Payment 2025
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Ghana Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Smart toll system launching end of 2025 (currently abolished)
Coverage: Major highways including Accra-Tema Motorway, Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Cape Coast
Currency: Ghana Cedi (GHS)
Technology: Electronic vehicle detection, digital payments, automated systems
Operators: Ghana Highway Authority, Ministry of Roads and Highways
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Ghana? 2025 Update
Currently, no - Ghana abolished road tolls in November 2021. However, tolls are returning with a smart, technology-driven system launching by end of 2025.
Key Reality: Ghana's toll abolition in 2021 was replaced by the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) which failed to generate sufficient revenue. The government estimates annual losses of GHS 1 billion (approximately $80 million) due to toll removal.
2025 Update: The newly elected NDC government has confirmed road tolls will return with a modernized, automated system using electronic vehicle detection and digital payments. Unlike the previous system, there will be no physical toll booths causing traffic congestion.
Ghana Toll System: Current Status
Ghana's toll system is undergoing a complete transformation from traditional booth-based collection to a smart, technology-driven approach.
Historical Toll Rates (Before 2021 Abolition)
| Route | Cars | Buses | Trucks | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accra-Tema Motorway | 1-2 GHS | 3-5 GHS | 5-10 GHS | Abolished 2021 |
| Accra-Kumasi Route | 1-2 GHS | 3-5 GHS | 5-10 GHS | Abolished 2021 |
| Accra-Cape Coast Route | 1-2 GHS | 3-5 GHS | 5-10 GHS | Abolished 2021 |
| Other Major Routes | 0.5-1.5 GHS | 2-4 GHS | 4-8 GHS | Abolished 2021 |
Upcoming Smart Toll System (2025)
Key Features:
- Automated, interconnected tolling stations
- Electronic vehicle detection and license plate recognition
- Digital payment systems (mobile money, cards)
- Real-time traffic data collection
- No physical toll booths or traffic congestion
- Transparent fund management and revenue tracking
How Ghana's New Toll System Will Work
The new smart toll system will use advanced technology to eliminate the traffic congestion problems of the old system:
1. Electronic Vehicle Detection:
- Automatic license plate recognition
- Vehicle classification by size and weight
- Real-time speed and traffic monitoring
2. Digital Payment Options:
- Mobile money integration (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo)
- Credit and debit card payments
- Electronic toll accounts and prepaid systems
- Invoice billing for registered vehicles
3. Benefits:
- Reduced wait times and traffic congestion
- Transparent revenue collection and management
- Better road maintenance funding
- Real-time traffic data for route optimization
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Ghana toll roads, use TollGuru Ghana toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Political Commitment:
- New NDC government confirmed toll reintroduction in January 2025
- Finance Minister-designate affirmed commitment to party manifesto promises
- Ministry of Roads and Highways announced framework development
- Open, transparent procurement process for technology providers
Technical Development:
- Lagos technical meeting held September 2024
- Cotonou validation workshop completed January 2025
- Smart toll system specifications finalized
- Implementation timeline set for end of 2025
Revenue Impact:
- Annual losses of GHS 1 billion since toll abolition in 2021
- E-Levy replacement failed to generate expected revenue
- Previous toll system generated GHS 39 million monthly
- Chamber of Construction estimates GHS 157.68 million annual potential
Planning Your Journey
Current Situation (2025):
- No toll collection currently in operation
- Free travel on all major highways
- Road maintenance funding challenges affecting road quality
- Accra-Tema Motorway under major reconstruction ($380 million project)
Preparing for 2025 Toll Return:
- Ensure mobile money accounts are active and funded
- Consider registering for electronic toll accounts when available
- Keep vehicle registration documents current
- Monitor government announcements for implementation details
Major Routes Expected to Have Tolls:
- Accra-Tema Motorway (N1) - Ghana's only motorway
- Accra-Kumasi Highway (N6) - Major north-south route
- Accra-Cape Coast Highway (N1) - Coastal route
- Other major trunk roads connecting regional capitals
Frequently Asked Questions
When will tolls return to Ghana?
The government has committed to launching the smart toll system by end of 2025, with framework development and procurement processes currently underway.
Will the new system cause traffic congestion like before?
No, the new system will use electronic detection and digital payments with no physical toll booths, eliminating the traffic congestion issues of the old system.
What payment methods will be accepted?
The system will accept mobile money, credit/debit cards, electronic toll accounts, and invoice billing for registered vehicles.
Why were tolls abolished in the first place?
Tolls were abolished in 2021 due to inefficiencies, traffic congestion, and revenue leakages. The government introduced the E-Levy as a replacement, but it failed to generate sufficient revenue.
How much will the new tolls cost?
New toll rates are still being developed. The government has indicated that proposed rates are tentative and subject to consultations and approvals.
Ghana vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | Smart electronic (planned) | TBD | Launching end 2025 |
| Ivory Coast | Manual cash collection | 500-5,000 XOF | Operational |
| Nigeria | Mixed systems | 200-2,000 NGN | Operational |
| Morocco | Electronic + manual | 5-50 MAD | Operational |
| Tunisia | Electronic + manual | 1-8 TND | Operational |
Useful Links & Resources
Government Agencies:
- Ministry of Roads and Highways - Policy and framework development
- Ghana Highway Authority - Highway management and toll operations
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) - Vehicle registration
- Ministry of Finance - Revenue policy and toll rate approval
Major Infrastructure Projects:
- Accra-Tema Motorway Extension - $380 million reconstruction project
- Tema Port Expansion - Integrated with motorway development
- National Route Network - Trunk road system development
Regional Toll Information:
- Ivory Coast Toll Roads - Western neighbor toll system
- Nigeria Tolls - Regional West African comparison
- Morocco Toll Roads - Advanced African toll system
- Tunisia Tolls - North African electronic systems
