Ghana Immigration Service Refutes $240M E-Gate Cost Claim: Full Details Revealed

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has dispelled circulating misinformation about the cost of new electronic gates (eGates) at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). According to a press release issued December 19, 2024, the GIS categorically denied allegations that the project cost the nation $240 million, as just $1.7 million was spent in bringing in the e-Gates.

Additionally, the statement offered detailed in sight into the broader project which includes the placement of the e-Gates within the new “Immigration 360” integrated border management system.

What is Immigration 360?

Immigration 360, is a comprehensive border management system that automates every aspect of the passenger processing and management operations with effect at Ghana’s 48 approved entry and exit points. It seeks to overcome the commonly faced problems at these 12 borders such as sovereignty problems, the interoperability issues and limitation due to older borders systems deployed.

The GIS said: “Implementation of a new integrated border management system called ‘Immigration 360’ will be done by the Ghana Immigration Service.” “Our system is designed to modernize and automate immigration throughout all points of entry and exit with the goal of speed and security.”

Breaking Down the Costs

The press release clarified the specific costs associated with the e-Gates and the broader integrated system.

• Cost of the e-Gates:
  The e-Gate system, comprising 15 units along with accessories, cost $1,760,479.80. This installation is one component of the larger Immigration 360 project and is designed to enhance passenger processing efficiency at KIA.
• Clarification on the $240M Figure:
  The GIS explained that the $240 million figure circulating on social media represents the total lifecycle cost of the entire Immigration 360 project over a decade. This amount includes:
  • Initial Implementation: The first phase of the project cost $94,664,374.57.
  • Upgrades: Periodic system upgrades, including three replacement cycles for critical components and two five-year upgrades, ensure the system remains up-to-date and operational.
  • Maintenance and Support: Continuous maintenance, licensing, and 24/7 support services over the 10-year project cycle.
  • Taxes: Value Added Tax (VAT) and other statutory taxes bring the total cost to $274 million.

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“The $240 million referenced in the circulating article on social media is in relation to the whole cycle cost of the project,” the GIS clarified.

The GIS emphasized that the project’s financial structure is designed to ensure a fully functional and state-of-the-art border management system throughout its lifecycle. The periodic upgrades and comprehensive maintenance plans will guarantee the system’s operational reliability and secure passenger processing for years to come.

“This phased approach ensures a refresh of the system at all times and guarantees the hand-back of a brand-new system at the end of the ten-year period,” the statement explained.GIS advised the public to trust only accurate information on national projects and avoid such social media reports at all cost. The press release said however, “it is wrong to say that the e-Gates at the KIA cost a total of $240 million because the e-Gates cost $1.7 million.”

During the presentation, which included performances from Kintampo Police and the team, the Service said Immigration 360 system is necessary to enhance national security and the passenger 360 experience at Ghana’s entry points.

Ghana Immigration Service clarifies that the Immigration 360 project is simply the result of the comprehensive planning and financial prudence. Addressing misinformation in such a manner actually reaffirms the GIS’s commitment to transparency and innovation with respect to modernization of Ghana’s border management infrastructure.

As it rolls out across the whole country, it is anticipated to help reinforce Ghana’s position as a leader in border security technology, whilst enabling comfortable and secure travel in and out of the country.

GIS advised the public to trust only accurate information on national projects and avoid such social media reports at all cost. The press release said however, “it is wrong to say that the e-Gates at the KIA cost a total of $240 million because the e-Gates cost $1.7 million.”

During the presentation, which included performances from Kintampo Police and the team, the Service said Immigration 360 system is necessary to enhance national security and the passenger 360 experience at Ghana’s entry points.

Ghana Immigration Service clarifies that the Immigration 360 project is simply the result of the comprehensive planning and financial prudence. Addressing misinformation in such a manner actually reaffirms the GIS’s commitment to transparency and innovation with respect to modernization of Ghana’s border management infrastructure.

As it rolls out across the whole country, it is anticipated to help reinforce Ghana’s position as a leader in border security technology, whilst enabling comfortable and secure travel in and out of the country.