The Minority in Parliament has expressed apprehensions regarding purported corruption linked to the government’s choice to engage a private firm for the implementation of the newly established E-gate system at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
This $147 million initiative is designed to enhance the efficiency of passenger arrivals and minimize turnaround times. However, the Minority contends that the agreement is characterized by a lack of transparency and numerous irregularities.
During a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza condemned the arrangement, labeling it a clear instance of “create, loot, and share.”
He raised concerns about the justification for allocating $147 million for the E-gate system when the total cost of constructing the airport was $250 million.
“Why would the entire airport, which was built for $250 million, necessitate an agreement with a private entity for an e-gate service costing nearly $147 million? This exemplifies the peak of create, loot, and share… individuals are at the Bank of Ghana attempting to establish accounts for GIS and others to begin collecting these funds. The Value for Money assessment has not even been completed. The Immigration Service and the Ministry of Finance are in the process of finalizing an agreement. I must emphasize that this is an illegality.”
“Do not proceed, and I caution every civil servant involved in hastily signing an agreement with this entity. I have chosen not to disclose the name of the entity. However, this entity is known for acquiring soft funds from DVLA, the passport office, the National Identification Authority, and other sources.
“This time, it will not be tolerated. Therefore, Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Finance, Ghana Immigration Service, according to the laws we enact in this house, this operation should not fall under the purview of the Ghana Immigration Service. It is an integrated service that should be provided at the airport.”
Agbodza highlighted that the E-gate system is designed as a comprehensive service aimed at improving airport operations and should not be associated with such high expenses.
“The cost of the e-gate should not reach $147 million solely for service provision, especially when the total expenditure for the airport is $250 million,” Agbodza remarked.
