Dear Editor,

When the Government suspended the collection of road tolls in November 2021, I wrote to question the fate of the toll collectors, some of whom are physically challenged persons.

They had complained that life was getting tougher following the closure and called on the government to find alternative means of livelihood but it appears assurances given are yet to materialise almost a year after the closure.

The Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wireko-Brobbey had explained recently in Parliament that although the workers currently do not have jobs, their salaries were paid in full during the period of their contract.

I have heard there were steps to reassign some of the workers under a different employment modules but I guess those statements were only to calm the nerves of the unemployed workers.

Leadership of the workers union had argued that the new modules could have been developed before the directive to close down the toll booths was implemented and I cannot agree with them any less.

Inasmuch as I want the ministry to respond quickly to the demand of the former toll collectors, they must as well be cautious in giving the workers false hope.

If there are no alternative jobs, it should be indicated as such. However, if there is certainly an alternative source of employment for the workers, then the ministry must endeavour to deliver on its promise as soon as possible instead of keeping the workers ‘hanging.’

Nobert Mensah,

Aburi.