Dr Bawumia unveils E-Gates at KIA, lauds Margins Group for good job done

Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has officially commissioned the Electronic Gates (E-Gates) at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), a project implemented by the Margins Group.
The launch of the E-Gates represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation, showcasing the ingenuity of Ghanaians, the government’s visionary leadership, and the success of strategic partnerships.
These systems symbolize Ghana’s readiness to embrace the future, safeguard its borders, and enhance the traveler experience, setting a regional benchmark for modern border management.

Efficient and secure operations
The E-Gates offer seamless document verification, where travelers present their e-Passport, Ghana Card, or Digital Travel Credential for authentication.
Biometric data is cross-referenced with the provided documents, and the gates open upon successful verification. Any discrepancies trigger immediate security alerts.
Designed for both online and offline functionality, the system ensures uninterrupted operations even in areas with limited connectivity.

Transforming the traveler experience
The E-Gates at KIA revolutionize travel for Ghanaians, diaspora members, and foreign visitors by reducing wait times to as little as 15 minutes from landing to exit.
These systems enhance efficiency while maintaining stringent security standards.

Real-time verification
Real-time verification against national and international databases ensures protection against fraud and unauthorized entry.
As global travel evolves with biometric e-gates and Digital Travel Credentials, Ghana has embraced these innovations, positioning itself as a leader in intelligent border control, surpassing global standards and setting an example for other nations.
Dr. Bawumia noted that this groundbreaking project, developed in partnership with Margins Group, a local private entity, demonstrates Ghana’s capacity to harness local expertise and collaboration.
Taking four years to conceptualize, design, and implement, the project exemplifies how homegrown solutions can meet and even exceed international benchmarks.

Building on a strong foundation
Dr. Bawumia explained that the E-Gates build on Ghana’s robust National ID System and the Ghana Card, a comprehensive framework integrating biometric data, digital addresses, and personal identities.
Recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a valid e-passport, the Ghana Card allows Ghanaians to travel seamlessly across 197 countries and access over 44,000 airports worldwide.
He emphasized that the E-Gates extend this vision by providing unmatched security, transparency, and efficiency at all entry points, including airports, seaports, and land borders.

Strengthening National Security
The integration of E-Gates with Ghana’s National Identification System provides unparalleled security capabilities.
According to Dr. Bawumia, the system monitors individuals crossing borders—by land, sea, or air—and integrates with databases such as Ghana’s national watchlist, Interpol’s global watchlists, and the Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES).
This enhanced coverage strengthens Ghana’s ability to combat fraud, smuggling, and unauthorized entries, ensuring border stability amidst regional security challenges.
Interior Minister Henry Quartey reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its borders, noting that the E-Gates are not merely technological upgrades but enablers of efficient border control and improved data management.

Collaboration for a digital future
The project reflects the power of collaboration between the government and the Margins Group, key drivers of Ghana’s digitization agenda spearheaded by Vice-President Dr. Bawumia, affectionately known as “Mr. Digital.”
Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including designers, contractors, engineers, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Immigration Service, for their dedication to executing the project efficiently and to the highest standards.

A step forward in innovation
Reflecting on the broader implications of the E-Gates, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that this initiative represents more than the introduction of a new system.
It is a significant step forward in Ghana’s ongoing journey toward innovation and improvement.
“These advancements in technology empower us to build safer, smarter, and more efficient environments for managing migration and border control in Ghana,” he said.
“This moment is a testament to the collective dedication and forward-thinking leadership of all involved,” he added.
Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, Comptroller General, Ghana Immigration Service, in his welcome remarks, said the e-gates would improve efficiency of border management system and modernise the operations of the airport.

By ELVIS DARKO, Accra