Some drivers who use the University of Ghana, Legon, thoroughfares to link to other areas are yet to come to terms with the intention of the management of the university to introduce the toll system, which will require them to pay toll rates anytime they enter and exit the university.

The payment, which has not yet begun, will be effected at roads currently being given a facelift, which link the various halls, departments and lecture halls.

While some of the drivers welcome the initiative, with the view that an improvement in the quality of the roads would enhance a longer lifespan of their vehicles, there were others who think it was an intentional attempt to extort money from them.

One of the drivers, who only gave his name as Kwame, said: "The toll will be passed on to students," which means that there would be an increase in the fares to be paid by students on campus.

Disagreeing with this position, however, Anthony, a taxi driver who operates at the main entrance of the university, said: "I know some of my colleagues will not agree with me, but we must pay for what we destroy. Everything is borne by government, but we have to be responsible too."

According to management of the university, a total of 9.6 kilometres of roads were being resealed and asphalted. The tolling, Mr. Kwaku Tsegah, site engineer for the asphalting and resealing of roads, said would enable the university generate enough income to pay back loans they took from banks within a period of three years.

It is also intended to cater for the wear and tear the roads have undergone, as a result of their regular use.

The project involves the asphalting and resealing of selected roads on campus, which is expected to cost GH¢7 million, and would also have speed ramps to control the speed of vehicles.

The tolling would be tied to the six entry points to the university which would all have toll booths. Management is of the view that the regular use of the roads, especially by commercial vehicles, means that Accra has expanded, and that many vehicles use the Legon road to avoid traffic, among other things.

This is good news, government is already subsidising for tuition and lodging fees. Africans like free things to much.

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