How to resolve AdBlock issue? Mahama Criticizes Bawumia Over Digitalization Claims Amid E-Gate Launch
Thursday, 05 December 2024 | Ghana
Former President John Dramani Mahama has taken a swipe at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of misleading Ghanaians regarding the country’s progress in digitalization. During a tour of the Ashanti Region, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer addressed claims by Dr. Bawumia that the Ghana Card could be used for international travel. Mahama dismissed these statements as deceptive and suggested that the Vice President knew the claims were inaccurate.
The comments by the former president came after the inauguration of E-Gates at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on December 3. Reports suggest that Dr. Bawumia encountered challenges using his passport on the newly installed system, an incident Mahama used to criticize the Vice President’s digitalization efforts. Mocking the Vice President, Mahama remarked, “The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man.” He added that weak foundational structures could compromise the credibility of such innovations, saying, “You can do all the propaganda with digitalization you like, but if the fundamentals of your digitalization are weak, the digital gate will expose you.”
The E-Gates, launched at Terminal 3 of Kotoka International Airport, represent a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to modernize its border management systems. These state-of-the-art gates utilize advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing, to streamline the immigration process. Dr. Bawumia highlighted the innovation’s potential during the launch, emphasizing its ability to facilitate a fully digital travel process. He stated, “With the ability to process E-visas and support seamless border management, Ghana is now well-prepared for the future of travel.”
Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, also underscored the E-Gates' contribution to enhancing national security by ensuring effective border control. The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi, praised the system for improving operational efficiency and enabling quicker passenger clearance.
The political tension between Mahama and Bawumia, however, underscores the challenges facing Ghana’s digitalization agenda. While the E-Gates symbolize progress and innovation, they have also become a focal point of debate, reflecting broader concerns about the implementation and credibility of technological advancements in the public sector.
As Ghana continues its push towards digital transformation, the exchange between the two leaders highlights the need for transparency and accountability in ensuring such initiatives deliver on their promises.
The comments by the former president came after the inauguration of E-Gates at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on December 3. Reports suggest that Dr. Bawumia encountered challenges using his passport on the newly installed system, an incident Mahama used to criticize the Vice President’s digitalization efforts. Mocking the Vice President, Mahama remarked, “The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man.” He added that weak foundational structures could compromise the credibility of such innovations, saying, “You can do all the propaganda with digitalization you like, but if the fundamentals of your digitalization are weak, the digital gate will expose you.”
The E-Gates, launched at Terminal 3 of Kotoka International Airport, represent a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to modernize its border management systems. These state-of-the-art gates utilize advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing, to streamline the immigration process. Dr. Bawumia highlighted the innovation’s potential during the launch, emphasizing its ability to facilitate a fully digital travel process. He stated, “With the ability to process E-visas and support seamless border management, Ghana is now well-prepared for the future of travel.”
Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, also underscored the E-Gates' contribution to enhancing national security by ensuring effective border control. The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi, praised the system for improving operational efficiency and enabling quicker passenger clearance.
The political tension between Mahama and Bawumia, however, underscores the challenges facing Ghana’s digitalization agenda. While the E-Gates symbolize progress and innovation, they have also become a focal point of debate, reflecting broader concerns about the implementation and credibility of technological advancements in the public sector.
As Ghana continues its push towards digital transformation, the exchange between the two leaders highlights the need for transparency and accountability in ensuring such initiatives deliver on their promises.