Ghana Immigration Service refutes claims on cost of E-Gates at KIA

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has debunked widespread misinformation on social media regarding the cost of the newly commissioned electronic gates (e-Gates) at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

In a press statement issued on Thursday, December 19, 2024, GIS clarified that the installation of the e-Gates at KIA cost $1.7 million and not the alleged $240 million circulating on social media.

According to the statement, the e-Gates are part of a broader project under the “Immigration 360” initiative, an integrated border management system designed to automate passenger processing and data management at all of Ghana’s 48 approved entry and exit points.

“It is inaccurate that the e-Gate system installed at KIA cost a total amount of $240 million dollars,” the statement emphasized.

"The e-Gate system alone, comprising 15 units with accessories, costs $1.7 million.”

The GIS explained that the $240 million figure being referenced represents the total cost of phases one and two of the Immigration 360 system.

This amount includes installations, maintenance, licensing, and taxes for the nationwide implementation of the system over a 10-year period.

The total project cost covers two wholesale upgrades of critical system components, three replacement cycles of key infrastructure, and two five-year upgrades to maintain the system’s integrity.

It also ensures the handover of a fully functional and refreshed system at the end of the project’s lifecycle.

“The initial implementation cost of the Immigration 360 project stands at $94.66 million,” the statement noted.

“When VAT, taxes, and maintenance costs are accounted for, the overall cost amounts to $274 million, ensuring round-the-clock operational efficiency over a decade.”

GIS further reassured Ghanaians that the Immigration 360 system would address challenges related to sovereignty, interoperability, and inadequacies in existing border management systems at the country’s entry points.

The Service urged the public to disregard the false information and support its efforts to enhance national security and streamline border operations.

Story: Joshua Kwabena Smith