Alagumgube Association backs reintroduction of road tolls

The Alagumgube Association, a community and developmental organization representing Farefari (Frafra)-speaking people primarily from the Upper East Region, has thrown its support behind President John Dramani Mahama's recent announcement to reintroduce road tolls in Ghana.

The group, founded by Mr. Gabriel Agambila, views the initiative as a critical step toward generating revenue for road maintenance and new infrastructure projects.

In a statement, Mr. Agambila, who leads Alagumgube Global, expressed alignment with the President's vision, which emphasizes technology-driven toll collection for greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

To enhance the proposed toll system, Alagumgube is advocating for the implementation of an EZ-Pass-style electronic tolling mechanism before toll booths reopen. The group recommends linking all vehicle number plates directly to owners' credit or debit cards (or mobile money accounts), enabling automatic deductions upon passing through toll points. This would streamline payments and reduce opportunities for mismanagement.

"Linking number plates to financial accounts would ensure funds are directly channeled back into the system for road maintenance and construction, boosting the entire road sector," Mr. Agambila stated.

To accommodate international vehicles whose accounts may not be integrated into the local system, the association proposes reserving a dedicated single lane at toll booths for trucks and cars from foreign countries.

Alagumgube stressed that failing to adopt such a transparent, automated system risks repeating past issues where toll revenues disproportionately benefited a few individuals rather than the nation as a whole.

The group also called for a portion of toll proceeds to support key regional infrastructure, including the maintenance of the Suyani Airport and the completion of the Bolgatanga Airport project—initiatives previously advanced by Alagumgube itself. The association reiterated its readiness to collaborate with government agencies in implementing these programs.

Concerns Over Energy Waste by Public Officials

In addition to infrastructure advocacy, Alagumgube raised alarms about wasteful energy practices among some government appointees. The group criticized officials who leave vehicle engines running for extended periods during events or even while seated in offices, likening the behavior to "descending from Iceland" in disregard for their origins and resource constraints.

"There should be no issue with texting your driver five or ten minutes before departure to start the engine," the statement noted. Alagumgube argued that such habits mirror past abuses, such as the misuse of fuel coupons by officials' associates, and urged greater accountability.

Call for Solar Adoption and Office Energy Discipline

The association's final concern targeted office energy wastage, particularly employees leaving air conditioners running overnight, over weekends, or after leaving for home. This practice, especially prevalent in government buildings, leads to unnecessary expenditure.

Alagumgube expressed strong support for government institutions transitioning to solar energy to cut costs and promote sustainability. The group encouraged stricter enforcement of turning off devices when offices are unoccupied.