Vendors operating around the Fiapre and Bechem tollbooths in the Bono and Ahafo Regions, respectively, have welcomed the government’s plan to reinstate tolls in 2025.
They believe the reintroduction of tolls will enhance their businesses.
In 2021, the government’s decision to shut down all tollbooths nationwide resulted in significant job losses for numerous vendors who previously operated at the Bechem tollbooth in the Tano South Municipality of the Ahafo Region and the Fiapre tollbooth in the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region.
These vendors, who relied on the tollbooths for their livelihood, were forced to cease their trading activities, leading to widespread unemployment in the area.
However, some of these determined vendors, mostly women, continued to run their businesses at the Fiapre and Bechem Tollbooths even after the government shut them down.
Though their number has reduced significantly, the few remaining vendors are not giving up, as their businesses provide daily sustenance.
Some of these vendors have been selling items like bread and fried yam for years, showcasing their resilience and dedication to their enterprises.
They welcomed the plan to reintroduce the tolls.
Meanwhile, some residents of the Bono Region have urged the government to implement technology-based toll-collection systems nationwide.
They believe this switch will significantly reduce the revenue leakages that plagued the traditional toll-collection method.
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