Minister Designate for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has revealed that the e-gate project lacks a formal contract, raising serious concerns about its financial and administrative integrity.
Originally intended to be implemented at no cost to Ghana, the project has unexpectedly incurred financial obligations amounting to millions of dollars, which he described as unwarranted and avoidable.
During his vetting on Monday, January 20, he cited a memorandum dated March 19, 2024, from the Ministry of Finance that detailed a proposal for developing a national border management system. However, Mr. Agbodza pointed out that the E-gate project had already been implemented by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority at no cost to the country. Despite this, a proposed contract valued at $147, 765, 625 million over a 10-year period has surfaced. The contract he noted also includes a 10% support and management fee and an 18% support and maintenance fee, raising questions about the justification for such expenditures.
He questioned the accountability of the Ministry of Finance in justifying costs for a project that was initially free.
Further complicating matters, Mr. Agbodza emphasized that the Ghana Immigration Service, which has been involved in the project, does not have the mandate to manage the E-gate system. According to him, the responsibility for the project lies with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Airport Company Limited, as outlined by international regulations, including a United Nations Security Council resolution.
The Minister Designate criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process for the E-gate project. He stressed that Ghana should not pay even a dollar for a system that was supposed to be free of charge, describing the situation as a clear case of financial mismanagement.
