The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has categorically denied social media reports claiming an exorbitant $240 million expenditure on the e-gate system recently installed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). In a detailed press release, the GIS clarified that the actual cost of the e-gate system at KIA stands at $1.7 million, a significantly lower figure than the widely circulated misinformation. This $1.7 million investment constitutes only a portion of a broader $5.5 million allocation for the comprehensive upgrade of immigration control systems at the airport. The GIS emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and urged the public to disregard the inflated and misleading claims about the e-gate system’s cost.
The e-gate system at KIA forms part of a much larger national project known as “Immigration 360,” a comprehensive initiative designed to modernize and streamline border management processes across all 48 approved entry and exit points in Ghana. This integrated border management system aims to address existing interoperability and sovereignty challenges by automating passenger processing and data management. The total investment for the entire Immigration 360 project, encompassing all entry and exit points, is $94.6 million, a figure that includes not only the e-gate system at KIA but also crucial upgrades across the nation’s border control infrastructure. This investment signifies a commitment to enhancing efficiency, security, and overall border control effectiveness throughout Ghana.
The misleading $240 million figure circulating on social media pertains to the projected total lifecycle cost of the Immigration 360 project over a ten-year period. This comprehensive figure encompasses not only the initial implementation cost of $94.6 million but also provisions for ongoing maintenance, periodic system upgrades, and necessary licensing fees. The long-term cost projection reflects the commitment to maintaining and updating the system to ensure its continued efficacy and relevance over the next decade. It includes two major system upgrades to keep the technology current and address evolving security and operational needs.
Breaking down the lifecycle cost further, the GIS explained that the $240 million includes approximately $145 million allocated for essential maintenance, licensing, and round-the-clock operational support throughout the ten-year lifespan of the system. This ensures the system’s continuous functionality and optimal performance. This proactive approach to maintenance ensures that the system remains robust, secure, and adaptable to future requirements, minimizing potential disruptions and maximizing its value throughout its operational life. Additionally, when factoring in value-added tax (VAT) and other applicable taxes, the overall lifecycle cost reaches $274 million, a comprehensive figure that reflects all associated financial considerations.
The Immigration 360 system, developed by the Ghanaian company Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, stands as a testament to local technological expertise. The system seamlessly integrates with several crucial databases, both domestic and international. It links with Ghana’s National Identification System, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority database, and INTERPOL’s global databases. This integration enhances security by providing access to real-time information and facilitates smoother travel and trade operations by enabling efficient data sharing and verification. The collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and interconnected system that strengthens national security and streamlines border processes.
The financing of the Immigration 360 project is structured as a pre-financing arrangement with Margins ID Systems Application Ltd. The investment will be repaid through revenues generated by the system itself, ensuring a sustainable financial model. This approach minimizes the immediate burden on public finances while ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of the project. The revenue-based repayment structure allows for ongoing investment in system maintenance and upgrades, contributing to the long-term effectiveness of the border management system. This innovative financing model ensures that the project remains financially sound while delivering tangible improvements to Ghana’s border security and efficiency.
