Former President John Dramani Mahama has taken a jab at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, critiquing his digitalization efforts after an incident during the commissioning of E-Gates at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
Addressing supporters in the Ashanti Region, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer mocked Dr. Bawumia, referring to reports of a malfunction during the Vice President’s attempt to use the system. “The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man,” Mr. Mahama quipped, adding, “You can do all the propaganda you want about digitalization, but if the fundamentals are weak, the digital gate will expose you.”
The E-Gate Launch
On December 3, 2024, Dr. Bawumia inaugurated state-of-the-art E-Gates at KIA’s Terminal 3. The system, leveraging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing, was touted as a transformative step toward modernizing Ghana’s border management.
According to Dr. Bawumia, the initiative allows travellers to use the Ghana Card for seamless entry, eliminating traditional immigration checks and offering faster, more efficient service. During the event, he hailed the system as a bold innovation, stating, “Ghana is leading the way in Africa by leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance travel experiences and border management.”
Political Debate
The reported malfunction, however, has become a political talking point. Mr. Mahama and the NDC have used the incident to question the effectiveness and credibility of Dr. Bawumia’s digitalization initiatives.
The government, on the other hand, has defended the E-Gates, emphasizing their significance in streamlining immigration processes and positioning Ghana as a leader in digital public services. Officials have attributed any issues to routine technical challenges expected with the rollout of such advanced systems.
The E-Gate system is designed to support E-visa integration and a fully digital travel process, marking Ghana’s push toward innovative solutions for border management and public service delivery.
Public Reactions
The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning the readiness of the E-Gates and supporters highlighting the overall progress of Ghana’s digitalization agenda. While the political debate continues, the government remains firm in its commitment to modernizing the country’s infrastructure.
