The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has refuted claims circulating on social media that the e-Gate system at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) costs the taxpayer $240 million.
The GIS detailed that the e-Gate system at KIA, comprising 15 units with accessories, is valued at $1.7 million ($1,760,479.80).
An official GIS statement clarified that in total, the immigration control systems and e-Gates at KIA cost $5.5 million ($5,548,860.89).
This clarification counters social media reports alleging exorbitant expenditures. Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, Maud Anima Quianoo, who signed the GIS statement, emphasized that the $240 million figure refers to the initial entire project’s long-term cycle costs over a ten-year period.
A comprehensive border management system
She said the GIS is implementing the Immigration 360 system, an advanced border management framework designed to automate passenger processing and data management across Ghana’s 48 approved entry and exit points.
She explained that the initiative also addresses sovereignty concerns, interoperability issues, and inadequacies in existing systems at 12 approved borders.
She noted that the total cost for implementing Immigration 360 is $94.6 million ($94,664,374.57).
However, she stated that when factoring in upgrades, maintenance, and Value Added Tax (VAT) over its ten-year life cycle, the overall cost rises to $274 million.
Key features of the Immigration 360 System
Madam Quianoo explained that the system seamlessly integrates with Ghana’s National Identification System (NIS), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) database, and the National Stop/Watch List.
Internationally, she said it connects to Interpol’s Global Stop/Watch List, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD), Advanced Passenger Information (API), Passenger Name Record (PNR), and PISCES.
She said these integrations are aimed at improving travel, trade, and security measures in Ghana.
Clarifying the $240m figure
Madam Quianoo explained that the initial $240 million figure represents the total cost of the project over ten years, including two periodic wholesale upgrades of critical components.
She explained that the first type involves three replacement cycles of key system components, while the second type encompasses two five-year cycles of major infrastructure upgrades.
She noted that these upgrades ensure the system remains operational and is handed back as brand-new at the end of the ten-year period.
Privately financed implementation
Madam Quianoo disclosed that Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, a private Ghanaian company, is pre-financing the implementation cost of $94.6 million.
According to her, the company would recover this investment through revenue generated from the system’s use, reducing the immediate financial burden on the government.
Enhancing efficiency at KIA
Madam Quianoo noted that the Immigration 360 system’s first phase includes the deployment of border management systems, such as the e-Gates, at KIA.
According to her, this phase is designed to ensure smooth passenger clearance and processing, addressing existing challenges with efficiency and security.
She reiterated GIS’ commitment to modernizing Ghana’s border management systems and emphasized that the Immigration 360 initiative reflects a forward-looking approach to integrating technology into immigration processes.
This initiative, developed locally by Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, aligns with international standards and aims to position Ghana as a leader in border management innovation across Africa.
