Key Points
- Mahama criticizes Bawumia over misleading claims about digitalization.
- The E-Gates malfunction raises questions about the credibility of Bawumia’s digital agenda.
- Bawumia emphasizes technology’s role in improving border management.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has come under fire from former President John Mahama, who claims that he has misled Ghanaians about his involvement in the nation’s digitisation initiatives. Bawumia’s assertion that the Ghana Card permits international travel was criticised by Mahama as misleading.
Mahama accuses Bawumia of misleading Ghanaians on digitalization
On the fifth day of his Ashanti Region visit, Mahama, the flag bearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), claimed that Bawumia was aware that his claims were untrue. In reference to the E-Gates’ commissioning at Kotoka International Airport on December 3, Mahama mentioned that Bawumia reportedly encountered a delay when trying to use his passport on the device.
According to myjoyonline, Mahama asserted that by demonstrating the E-Gates’ operation, Bawumia aimed to enhance his reputation as “Mr. Digital,” however the vice president’s digitalisation plan was called into question due to the apparent breakdown.
Mahama made fun of Bawumia by stating, “The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man.” “You can use digitalisation for all the propaganda you want, but if the foundations of your digitalisation are weak, the digital gate will expose you,” he added.
A major milestone in Ghana’s digitalisation plan was reached earlier when Vice President Bawumia opened the state-of-the-art E-Gates at Terminal 3 of Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
Ghana’s digitalization efforts showcased with new E-Gates
The Ghana Card provides access to the cutting-edge system, which is intended to expedite the immigration procedure. Installed in the arrival area, the E-Gates provide a quicker and more effective admission process by doing away with the necessity for conventional immigration checks.
“Our E-Gates leverage cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing to create a frictionless and secure travel experience,” Bawumia said during the commissioning event, highlighting the system’s potential. Now that it can support E-visas and a completely digital travel process.
Henry Quartey, the Interior Minister, highlighted the security advantages of the system. “To make sure that unwanted materials don’t enter the nation, we have modified contemporary methods like electronic gates. These gates are facilitators that will improve border security and control, not only banners,” he stated.
The Ghana Immigration Service’s Comptroller-General, Kwame Asuah Takyi, commended the E-Gates’ operational effectiveness, pointing out that they will enhance passenger clearance and allow immigration agents to process travellers more efficiently for the sake of national security.
An important step in Ghana’s efforts to update border control and enhance the overall travel experience is the commissioning of the E-Gates. Ghana maintains its position as Africa’s leader in security innovation and digitisation by using cutting-edge technologies.
