The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) says the E-Gate System deployed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) never cost the Ghanaian taxpayers $240 million.
In a statement, the GIS disclosed that the $240 million cost in circulation on social media and other platforms for the E-Gate system is inaccurate.
“The total cost of the new ‘Immigration 360’ border management system is $94.6 million (i.e., $94,664,374.57). As part of Phase One (1) of the project, the GIS is installing border management systems, including an e-Gate component at the KIA, which is geared at enhancing smooth passenger clearance and processing. This whole component for the KIA, comprising the immigration control systems and the e-gates, cost $5.5 million (i.e., $5,548,860.89).
“The e-Gate system alone (comprising 15 units of e-Gates with accessories), which forms part of the border management system being installed at KIA, costs $1.7 million (i.e., $1,760,479.80),” it stated.
The GIS indicated that the $240 million referenced in the circulating article on social media was in relation to the whole cycle cost of the project (including the initial implementation cost of $94,664,374.57).
Below is the full statement by the GIS
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESPONSE BY GHANA IMMIGRATION SERVICE TO FALSE CLAIMS ON THE COST OF E-GATES SYSTEM INSTALLED AT THE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIA)
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has noted with great concern false claims circulating on social media and other platforms suggesting that the e-Gates System deployed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra costs the taxpayer $240 million.
The GIS wishes to clarify the facts and provide the public with accurate information regarding the e-Gates System and its associated costs:
1. It is inaccurate that the e-Gate system installed at the KIA cost a total amount of $240 million dollars.
2. The Ghana Immigration Service is implementing a new integrated border management system known as the “Immigration 360”. The system seeks to fully automate passenger processing and data management at all the forty-eight (48) approved entry/exit points to Ghana and other operational commands. The new system seeks to address challenges with sovereignty, interoperability and other inadequacies associated with the existing systems installed at twelve (12) approved borders.
3. The total cost of the new “Immigration 360” border management system is $94.6 million (i.e., $94,664,374.57).
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4. As part of Phase One (1) of the project, the GIS is installing border management systems including an e-Gate component at the KIA which is geared at enhancing smooth passenger clearance and processing. This whole component for the KIA comprising the immigration control systems and the e-gates cost $5.5 million (i.e., $5,548,860.89).
5. 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 $1.7 million (i.e., $1,760,479.80).
6. The $240 million referenced in the circulating article on social media is in relation to the whole cycle cost of the project (including the initial implementation cost of $94,664,374.57).
7. The $240 million includes two (2) periodic wholesale upgrades of the critical components of the system and cost of maintenance and licenses over the 10-year cycle of the project.
8. The first upgrade type is in three (3) replacement cycles of key components of the system. The second upgrade type is two (2) 5-year upgrade cycles within ten (10) years to replace major components of the technical infrastructure. This is to ensure a refresh of the system at all times and to ensure the hand back of a brand-new system at the end of the ten-year period.
9. After accounting for VAT and other taxes, the total comes to $274 million, which includes maintenance and hands-on support services over a ten-year period to guarantee the system is operational around-the-clock.
10. It is worth noting that the Immigration 360 provides the benefits of integrating seamlessly with:
(i) Local Databases:
- Ghana’s National Identification System (NIS)
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
- National Stop/Watch List, and
(ii) International Systems:
INTERPOL’s Global Stop/Watch List
- ICAO’s Public Key Directory (PKD)
- Advanced Passenger Information (API)
- Passenger Name Record (PNR)
- Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) which facilitate travel, trade and security.
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11. The system developed by Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, a private, local Ghanaian company, offers the capabilities to also integrate the various visas and permits issued by the GIS with the border controls processes across the country.
12. It is important to note that, Margins ID Systems Application Ltd (MIDSA) is pre-financing the implementation cost of $94,664,374.57 and will be repaid from revenue that will accrue from the use of the system.
SGD.
MAUD ANIMA QUIANOO
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION
SPECIAL DUTIES/PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
Tel: 0244230828
Media Relations Officer: 0204189842
Email: info@immigration.gov.gh
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