World Bank has paid twice for ‘completed’ KIA e-gates promised by Bawumia – Bright Simons

IMANI Africa Vice President, Bright Simons, has raised concerns over the possibility of Ghanaian taxpayers being double-taxed for the introduction of e-gates at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

According to Dr. Bawumia, the project, aimed at streamlining immigration processes, will leverage technological advancements such as the Ghana Card.

But reacting to the news in a post on X, Bright Simons stated that the World Bank has already paid for the project twice and has since recorded it as successfully completed.

"If this new e-gate project uses a single pesewa of Ghanaian money, then it will be the most brazen abuse of World Bank money ever in the history of the world. The truth is that the World Bank has paid TWICE for this same project and recorded the project as complete and successful," he wrote.

Announcing the policy during an interaction with the clergy as part of his regional campaign tour in Cape Coast, Dr. Bawumia said the initiative is part of the government's broader digital transformation agenda, enhancing efficiency and convenience for travelers entering the country.

"In fact, before the end of this year, if you arrive in Ghana at Kotoka Airport, you don't even need to go to an immigration officer. We are putting together the e-gates.

"You put your Ghana card, it will open for you, and you'll pass and enter. The e-gates will come into work in Ghana before the end of this year. In Ghana, before the end of this year," Dr. Bawumia stated.

GA/SARA