The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has dismissed allegations that the e-gates system installed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) costs a whopping $240 million.
In a statement, GIS described the figures making rounds on social media and in some traditional media as “misleading” and provided the right information.
According to the Immigration Service, the actual cost of the e-Gates system is $1.7 million, with the entire border management system, known as “Immigration 360,” costing $94.6 million.
“The e-Gate system alone (comprising 15 units of e-Gates with accessories) which form part of the border management system being installed at KIA costs $1,760,479.80,” the statement read.
The GIS explained that the $240 million figure being circulated on social media includes the initial implementation cost, as well as two periodic wholesale upgrades of critical components, maintenance, and licenses over a 10-year cycle.
“It is inaccurate that the e-Gate system installed at the KIA cost a total amount of $240 million dollars,” Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, Maud Anima Quiannoo, clarified.
The “Immigration 360” system aims to fully automate passenger processing and data management at all 48 approved entry and exit points in Ghana.
The system also integrates with local databases, such as the National Identification System and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, as well as international systems, including INTERPOL’s Global Stop/Watch List.
The GIS has urged the public to disregard the false claims and rely on accurate information from official sources.
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