The Minority in Parliament has expressed serious concerns over alleged corruption surrounding the government’s decision to engage a private entity for the activation of the newly commissioned E-gate system at Kotoka International Airport (KIA). The $147 million project, intended to streamline passenger arrivals and reduce turnaround times, has come under scrutiny for its lack of transparency and perceived irregularities.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza described the arrangement as a glaring example of corruption, calling it a case of “create, loot, and share.” He questioned the rationale behind committing such a significant amount of money to the E-gate system when the entire construction of the airport cost $250 million.
Agbodza stated, “Why on earth would the whole airport, which cost $250 million to build, require an additional $147 million for an E-gate service? This is the peak of ‘create, loot, and share.’ People are at the Bank of Ghana trying to open accounts for the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and others to start collecting this money. The Value for Money (VFM) audit is not even out. Yet, the Immigration Service and Ministry of Finance are trying to sign an agreement. This is an illegality, and I warn them not to proceed.”
The Minority Chief Whip accused certain entities of rushing to finalize the deal despite its questionable nature. He declined to name the private company involved but hinted at its history of profiting from public institutions such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Passport Office, and the National Identification Authority.
“This entity specializes in getting soft money from DVLA, the Passport Office, the National Identification Authority, and others. This time around, it’s not going to happen,” Agbodza said. He called on the Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Finance, and Ghana Immigration Service to halt the agreement immediately, emphasizing that the laws governing the airport’s operations do not permit such an arrangement.
Agbodza further explained that the E-gate system is an integrated service designed to enhance operations at the airport. He argued that its implementation should not incur such exorbitant costs, especially when the entire airport was constructed at a significantly lower price.
“The E-gate cannot cost $147 million just for the provision of service when the entire airport cost $250 million,” Agbodza stressed.
The Minority’s concerns center on the lack of due diligence in the agreement. According to Agbodza, the Value for Money audit, a crucial step in ensuring that public funds are used efficiently, has not yet been completed. Despite this, efforts to finalize the deal appear to be in motion.
He warned public officials involved in the deal to refrain from making hasty decisions, noting that any such action would be illegal and subject to consequences. “Every civil servant who is involved in a hasty decision to sign an agreement with this entity should be prepared to face the repercussions,” Agbodza cautioned.
The Minority’s accusations have reignited discussions about accountability and transparency in government projects. Critics of the E-gate deal argue that such high expenditures on a single system raise questions about the government’s priorities, especially in a challenging economic climate.
Proponents of the E-gate system, however, have defended the initiative, claiming that it will improve efficiency at Kotoka International Airport by reducing passenger processing times and enhancing security. They argue that the investment is justified given the long-term benefits the system is expected to deliver.
Despite these justifications, the Minority insists that the lack of transparency and the high cost of the project make it untenable. Agbodza urged Parliament to thoroughly investigate the matter and hold those responsible for any irregularities accountable.
He also criticized the government’s decision-making process, highlighting what he described as a recurring pattern of prioritizing profit over public interest. “This is not the first time we’ve seen such questionable deals. It’s time for Parliament to step in and ensure that public funds are used responsibly,” Agbodza said.
The Minority’s concerns extend beyond the financial implications of the deal. They argue that the rushed implementation of the E-gate system could compromise its effectiveness, ultimately defeating its purpose.
Agbodza noted that the system is meant to be an integrated service that complements the airport’s existing operations. He stressed that its successful implementation requires careful planning, adequate training for personnel, and proper integration with other airport systems.
“This is not just about the money. It’s about ensuring that the system actually works as intended and adds value to the airport’s operations,” Agbodza said.
The controversy surrounding the E-gate deal has sparked widespread public debate, with many Ghanaians questioning the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Some have called for an independent audit of the project to determine its feasibility and ensure that public funds are not wasted.
As the debate continues, the Minority has vowed to keep the issue on the front burner, promising to hold the government accountable for its actions. “We will not allow this deal to proceed without proper scrutiny. Ghanaians deserve better,” Agbodza declared.
The $147 million E-gate deal represents yet another test of the government’s ability to manage public resources effectively. With growing public scrutiny and mounting pressure from the Minority, the government will need to address these concerns and provide clear answers to restore confidence in its leadership.
In the meantime, the spotlight remains on Kotoka International Airport, where the success or failure of the E-gate system could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s aviation industry. Whether the deal proceeds as planned or is subjected to further review, one thing is clear: the E-gate controversy has brought to light the need for greater transparency and accountability in government contracts.
