Introduction of E-Gates at Kotoka International Airport Positions Ghana as a Leader in Smart Border Control – Bawumia

 

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that Ghana’s newly introduced digital border control system and e-gates at Kotoka International Airport position the country as a leader in intelligent border management, meeting global standards and surpassing many advanced nations.

 

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has highlighted the transformative impact of Ghana’s new digital border control system, which enables swift biometric and facial recognition checks at Kotoka International Airport. The system allows Ghanacard holders to pass through designated e-gates without the need for immigration officers. Additionally, members of the diaspora and foreign visitors can also use the e-gates by pre-registering their biometric data and travel information.

 

Speaking at the launch on December 3, Dr. Bawumia described the introduction of the e-gates as a “monumental leap forward in border management.” He emphasized that the system, proudly “designed and built by Ghanaians,” is fully owned and managed by the Ghana Immigration Service.

 

He further noted that as global travel continues to evolve, Ghana has positioned itself among the select countries leveraging advanced technology for rapid border control. With the integration of both biometric and facial recognition systems, the nation has surpassed many developed countries in border management innovation.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized the rapid evolution of global travel technologies, highlighting innovations like biometric e-gates and Digital Travel Credentials as the emerging standard. He cited examples such as the United Kingdom’s trials of facial biometric e-gates, which allow travelers to pass through immigration without physical passports, and the European Union’s Digital Travel Credential initiative, which enables travelers to submit their information digitally for faster processing.

 

He noted that Ghana has fully embraced these advancements by integrating biometric verification and Digital Travel Credential technologies into a unified platform. This integration, he said, establishes Ghana as a leader in intelligent border control, aligning with global benchmarks and surpassing many developed nations.

 

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized that Ghana’s e-gates incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing to deliver a secure and seamless travel experience. He noted that with the integration of e-visa functionality and a fully digital travel system, Ghana is positioned to lead the future of border management, providing significant advantages to citizens, international travelers, and the nation as a whole.

 

“For Ghanaian citizens, this advancement ensures quicker clearance at airports and border points,” Dr. Bawumia stated. “For members of the diaspora, it offers a smooth and efficient entry process, making their return to Ghana stress-free. For foreign visitors, Ghana emerges as both a welcoming destination and a pioneer in global travel infrastructure. These innovations enhance the speed, security, and inclusivity of our borders, setting a new benchmark for modern border management,” he concluded.