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The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has refuted claims that the newly installed E-Gate system at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) cost $240 million, describing such allegations as misleading.
These claims, primarily from the Minority in Parliament, have sparked public criticism. Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza alleged the project was another instance of corruption, questioning the expenditure given the airport’s total construction cost of $250 million.
In a statement on December 19, GIS clarified that:
– The E-Gate system cost $1.7 million, as part of the broader Immigration 360 border management system.
– The Immigration 360 project, covering 48 entry/exit points nationwide, is valued at $94.6 million.
– The $240 million referenced in reports represents the total cost of a 10-year project lifecycle, including maintenance, upgrades, and taxes.
Breakdown of Costs
KIA E-Gate System: $1.7 million
Immigration Control System at KIA: $5.5 million
Immigration 360 Project Implementation: $94.6 million
10-Year Maintenance and Upgrades: $240 million
GIS highlighted that the system is financed by Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, a Ghanaian company, with costs to be recouped from system-generated revenue.
The Immigration 360 system integrates with Ghana’s National Identification System, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), INTERPOL databases, and more, enhancing border security and passenger processing.
GIS assured the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability in all projects.
