Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticised Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over his digitalization efforts, particularly in light of an incident involving the newly launched E-Gates at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
Speaking during a tour of the Ashanti Region, Mahama accused Dr. Bawumia of misleading the public about the success of Ghana’s digitalisation agenda. The former president specifically targeted Bawumia’s claim that the Ghana Card enables international travel, describing the assertion as exaggerated.
Mahama referenced a delay Dr. Bawumia experienced when attempting to use the new E-Gates system with his passport at the commissioning event on December 3, 2024. He mocked the Vice President, quipping, “The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man,” and criticised the digitalisation agenda as lacking substance. “You can do all the propaganda you want about digitalisation, but if the fundamentals are weak, the digital gate will expose you,” Mahama added.
Dr. Bawumia had inaugurated the state-of-the-art E-Gates at KIA’s Terminal 3, presenting the system as a major milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation. The E-Gates, which incorporate artificial intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing, are intended to expedite the immigration process, allowing travellers to use their Ghana Card for fast-tracked entry.
During the ceremony, Bawumia described the initiative as a significant advancement, positioning Ghana as a leader in Africa in border management innovation. He highlighted the elimination of traditional immigration checks, enabling travellers to clear customs in seconds, and the integration of E-visa services for a fully digital travel experience.
The E-Gate malfunction has sparked political debate, with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) using the incident to question the credibility of the Vice President’s digitalisation agenda. However, the government maintains that the E-Gates represent a landmark achievement in modernising public services and improving the travel experience.
Source:TheDotNews