Accra: The National Vice President of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD), Mr. Courage Wormenor, has announced that the government's decision to reinstate road toll collection will create job opportunities for people with disabilities. This statement comes as the new government plans to revive the road toll system, which was abolished by the previous administration in November 2021.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Wormenor shared his perspective in response to statements made by Mr. Kwame Governs Agboza, the Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, during his parliamentary vetting. Mr. Agboza confirmed the government's commitment to reintroduce road tolls, a move that Mr. Wormenor sees as promising for the disabled community.
In an interview, Mr. Wormenor expressed that the reinstatement of tolls is welcome news, providing a pathway to employment for many individuals with disabilities. He noted that the closure of toll booths had led to economic difficulties for GSPD members who previously worked as toll collectors, with some experiencing severe financial distress.
Mr. Wormenor emphasized the importance of offering employment opportunities to people with physical impairments, suggesting that such initiatives could help change public perceptions and demonstrate that disabled individuals are capable contributors to the workforce. He highlighted that the government's efforts align with promoting inclusivity and equality, which are essential for national development.
He further encouraged institutions and companies to utilize the existing tax incentive, which offers a five percent threshold for employing persons with disabilities, to integrate more disabled individuals into their workforce. This, he suggested, would not only benefit the individuals but also the broader society by fostering an inclusive work environment.
Meanwhile, the Minister-designate, Mr. Agboza, suggested that to mitigate traffic congestion at toll booths, the government might implement digital toll collection systems, streamlining the process for all road users.
