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The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has refuted claims that the newly-installed e-Gate system at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) cost $240 million. Describing the allegations as false, the GIS clarified that the system cost $1.7 million as part of the implementation of a new integrated border management system dubbed "Immigration 360."
The response comes amid concerns raised by the minority caucus in Parliament about alleged irregularities and corruption.
In a statement dated 19th December, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration in charge of Special Duties/Public Affairs Department, Maud Anima Quianoo, explained the total cost of the new "Immigration 360" system:
The Ghana Immigration Service is implementing a new integrated border management system known as the 'Immigration 360.' The system seeks to fully automate passenger processing and data management at all forty-eight (48) approved entry/exit points to Ghana and other operational commands. The new system seeks to address challenges with sovereignty, interoperability, and other inadequacies associated with the existing systems installed at twelve (12) approved borders.
The total cost of the new 'Immigration 360' border management system is $94.6 million (i.e., $94,664,374.57).
Regarding the e-Gate component at KIA, the GIS stated:
As part of Phase one (1) of the project, the GIS is installing border management systems, including an e-Gate component at the KIA, which is geared at enhancing smooth passenger clearance and processing. This whole component for the KIA, comprising the immigration control systems and the e-Gates, cost $5.5 million (i.e., $5,548,860.89).
The statement further disclosed:
The e-Gate system alone (comprising 15 units of e-Gates with accessories), which forms part of the border management system being installed at KIA, costs $1.7 million (i.e., $1,760,479.80). The $240 million referenced in the circulating article on social media is in relation to the whole cycle cost of the project (including the initial implementation cost of $94,664,374.57).
The GIS explained that the $240 million cost includes:
Periodic Upgrades: Three replacement cycles of key system components.
Major System Refresh: Two 5-year upgrade cycles to ensure a new system at the end of the 10-year period.
After accounting for VAT and other taxes, the total comes to $274 million, which includes maintenance and hands-on support services over a ten-year period to guarantee the system is operational around-the-clock.
The e-Gate was commissioned by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on December 3, 2024.
Read the full statement below.
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