Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has revealed that there is no formal contract for the e-gate project at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), despite previous claims of substantial financial investments.
Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 20, 2025, Mr. Agbodza expressed frustration at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), which has been central to the implementation of the e-gate system.
He pointed out that GIS had previously stated the total cost of the project at GHc297 million, contradicting earlier reports that had indicated a GHc240 million estimate.
“I don’t see how that is a rebuttal. In fact, you’ve just confirmed what I said,” Hon. Amoako-Attah told the committee. “You’re talking about a lifecycle cost of GHc297 million, while I had originally pointed out the GHc240 million. So what’s the point of this rebuttal?”
He questioned the legitimacy of the project, noting that only a few e-gates have been physically installed, and their cost appears to be far less than what is being quoted for the overall project. “These few e-gates could cost up to GHc1.7 million, but somehow, the figures being thrown around for the full implementation don’t add up,” he said.
“If I were to tell you today that there is not even a contract for the e-gate, there is no contract,” he emphasized.
“So what’s the GHc1.7 million you were talking about?”
The Minister-designate indicated that the project was initially supposed to be carried out by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) at no cost to the government.
“The e-gate was supposed to be done for free,” he said.
“Why are we even paying for something that should be free?” he quizzed.
Mr. Agbodza further disclosed that the former government backtracked on the project’s financials.
He cited a memo suggesting the project cost had now ballooned to GHc147 million, with a 10-year contract duration, raising questions about the viability and oversight of the initiative.
“Why are we paying for a project that has already been implemented by other agencies like GCAA?” he asked.
The Minister-designate expressed deep concern that the Ghana Immigration Service had overstepped its mandate by leading the project, which, according to international resolutions, should be managed by the Ghana Airport Company Limited.
“Immigration Service, you have confirmed my allegation that you’ve forgotten this project lies with the GCAA,” Mr. Agbodza stated.
“You have no business carrying this out,” he said.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House