The Minority in Parliament, made up of members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has raised serious concerns about the cost of the electronic gates (e-gates) recently installed at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The Minority Chief Whip, Governs Agbodza, alleged that the government entered into a $147 million deal for the e-gates, describing it as a “blatant case of create, loot, and share.”
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Hon. Agbodza questioned why an e-gate system would cost nearly as much as the $250 million construction of KIA itself.
He demanded an immediate halt to the project and a thorough review of its financial implications, accusing the government of a lack of transparency in public procurement processes.
In response to these claims, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) issued a press release on Thursday, December 19, 2024, refuting the allegations and clarifying the actual costs associated with the project.
The GIS stated categorically that the e-gates cost $1.7 million, not the $147 million or $240 million figures being circulated.
“The e-Gate system alone (comprising 15 units of e-gates with accessories) costs $1.7 million ($1,760,479.80),” the GIS emphasized.
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The GIS further explained that the $240 million figure being cited relates to the entire lifecycle cost of the Immigration 360 system, a comprehensive border management solution being implemented across 48 entry points in the country.
The $240 million includes expenses for system upgrades, licensing, maintenance, and taxes over a 10-year period. “When VAT and other taxes are factored in, the total cost rises to $274 million, which covers maintenance and hands-on support services to ensure the system’s round-the-clock operational efficiency,” the statement clarified.
The Immigration 360 system is designed to modernize Ghana’s border management by automating passenger processing and integrating with national and international databases. These include Ghana’s National Identification System (NIS), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), INTERPOL’s Global Stop/Watch List, and the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Public Key Directory.
According to the GIS, phase one of the Immigration 360 system, valued at $94.6 million, is being pre-financed by Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, a Ghanaian company. Repayment will be sourced from revenue generated by the system’s operations.
The GIS urged Ghanaians to disregard the misinformation being spread and focus on the long-term benefits of the Immigration 360 system for national security and economic growth.
The agency emphasized its commitment to prudent resource management and transparency, assuring the public that the project is part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency at all of Ghana’s entry points.
