
The Minority in Parliament has raised alarm over the government’s $147 million E-gate system at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), accusing it of being a corrupt scheme under the guise of modernization.
The E-gate project, designed to streamline passenger processing and improve airport efficiency, has come under scrutiny for its cost and the lack of transparency surrounding its execution.
Minority’s Concerns
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza criticized the agreement as an example of “create, loot, and share.” Key points of his argument include:
- Cost Discrepancy:
- Agbodza questioned why the E-gate system alone would cost $147 million, nearly 60% of the $250 million spent to construct the entire KIA.
- He argued that this cost is unjustifiable for a service upgrade.
- Lack of Transparency:
- The agreement with the unnamed private entity reportedly lacks Value for Money (VFM) analysis, a crucial requirement for large public contracts.
- Agbodza claimed the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ministry of Finance are moving hastily to finalize an agreement without due diligence.
- Role of the Private Entity:
- Agbodza refrained from naming the private entity but accused it of exploiting state institutions like the DVLA, Passport Office, and National Identification Authority in the past for financial gain.
- He warned civil servants involved in the deal of potential legal consequences.
- Violation of Operational Mandates:
- The Minority argues that the E-gate system should not be exclusively managed by the GIS, as it is an integrated airport service. The agreement allegedly bypasses legal procedures.
The Minority’s Call to Action
The Minority urged key stakeholders, including the Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Finance, and the Ghana Immigration Service, to halt any further steps in finalizing the agreement. Agbodza warned that the project, as it stands, is illegal and vowed to resist its implementation.
Implications
The controversy highlights broader concerns about governance and accountability in public-private partnerships in Ghana. The Minority’s objections could spark parliamentary investigations and intensify scrutiny of public contracts, especially those involving substantial financial commitments.
The government is yet to respond to the allegations.