e-Gates system at KIA cost $1.7m – GIS

THE Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has issued a strong response to claims circulating on social media suggesting that the e-Gates System at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) costs taxpayers $240 million.

The GIS clarified that the said $240million figure is misleading and that the actual cost of the e-Gates system is $1.7 million, forming part of a broader border management project.

The GIS reassured the public that the implementation of the ‘Immigration 360’ system, which includes the e-Gates, is a well-thought-out initiative aimed at modernizing Ghana’s immigration processes and enhancing national security.

Cost breakdown: Immigration 360 project

The Immigration 360 system is a comprehensive border management solution designed to fully automate passenger processing and data management at all 48 approved entry and exit points in Ghana. The project has a total implementation cost of $94.6 million.

The system addresses challenges such as sovereignty issues, interoperability, and inadequacies in existing systems at 12 approved borders. The Immigration 360 project is being rolled out in phases, with Phase One focused on KIA, which includes the installation of border management systems and e-Gates at a cost of $5.5 million.

The $240 million figure referenced in social media posts relates to the total lifecycle cost of the Immigration 360 project over ten years. This lifecycle cost includes two major system upgrades, maintenance, and license fees to ensure the system remains fully operational. When VAT and other taxes are factored in, the total cost reaches $274 million.

e-Gates to Enhance Passenger Experience at KIA

As part of Phase One, 15 e-Gates have been installed at KIA to enhance passenger clearance and streamline immigration processes. These advanced systems aim to reduce wait times and provide a seamless travel experience for both Ghanaians and visitors.

The Immigration 360 project is designed to integrate with critical local and international systems for enhanced security and operational efficiency. These include:

• Ghana’s National Identification System (NIS), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the National Stop/Watch List.
• International databases such as INTERPOL’s Global Stop/Watch List and ICAO’s Public Key Directory (PKD).
• Travel and trade facilitation systems such as Advanced Passenger Information (API), Passenger Name Record (PNR), and the Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES).

Local Expertise Driving Innovation

The project is being executed by Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, a private Ghanaian company known for its expertise in identity and border management solutions. The company is pre-financing the $94.6 million implementation cost, with repayment to be sourced from revenue generated through the system.

This arrangement reflects Ghana’s commitment to leveraging local expertise while implementing projects of national importance.

Ensuring Long-Term Efficiency

To guarantee system longevity and reliability, the Immigration 360 project includes provisions for two periodic wholesale upgrades of critical components within a ten-year cycle.

These upgrades will ensure the system remains at the cutting edge of technology and meets evolving global standards. At the end of the ten-year cycle, the system will be handed over as a refreshed, state-of-the-art infrastructure.

In light of public concerns, the GIS reiterated its commitment to transparency and efficient resource utilization. The Service encouraged the public to seek accurate information from official sources rather than relying on unverified claims circulating online.

A Bold Step Toward Modernized Border Management

The Immigration 360 project, including the e-Gates system, represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to modernize its border management infrastructure. By automating immigration processes and integrating with advanced systems, Ghana is positioning itself as a hub for secure and efficient international travel and trade. The GIS remains focused on delivering a system that meets global standards while ensuring value for money and addressing Ghana’s unique security and operational needs.