How to resolve AdBlock issue? Mahama Criticizes Bawumia Over Digitalization Claims Amid E-Gates Controversy
Wednesday, 04 December 2024 | Ghana
Former President John Dramani Mahama has taken a swipe at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of misleading Ghanaians about the nation's digitalization progress. Mahama's criticism centers on Dr. Bawumia's claims regarding the Ghana Card's utility, particularly its purported ability to facilitate international travel.
Addressing supporters on the fifth day of his campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, Mahama dismissed these assertions as deceptive. He alleged that Dr. Bawumia's statements about the Ghana Card were designed to exaggerate his achievements in digitalization, describing them as attempts to bolster his image as "Mr. Digital."
The former president cited a recent incident during the commissioning of E-Gates at Terminal 3 of Kotoka International Airport in Accra. According to Mahama, Dr. Bawumia reportedly experienced delays while attempting to use his passport at the newly launched automated gates, an episode that Mahama claimed undermines the Vice President’s credibility on the digitalization agenda.
Mocking the situation, Mahama quipped, "The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man." He further added, “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, a significant part of Ghana’s digitization initiatives, were inaugurated by Dr. Bawumia on December 3 as part of efforts to streamline the country’s immigration processes. The system, which integrates advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing, allows travelers to bypass traditional immigration checks using the Ghana Card. Dr. Bawumia described the E-Gates as a transformative step toward frictionless and secure travel.
At the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the broader implications of the system, noting that the E-Gates represent the future of border management. "With the ability to facilitate E-visas and a fully digital travel process, Ghana is now prepared for the future of border control," he stated.
The Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, underscored the system's role in enhancing national security. He explained that the E-Gates not only improve traveler convenience but also provide a robust mechanism to prevent undesirable elements from entering the country. "These gates are enablers that enhance border control and security, going beyond being just technological banners," Quartey noted.
The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi, also praised the efficiency of the system. He emphasized how the new immigration process would enable officers to clear travelers faster while ensuring thorough security checks.
Despite the government’s celebration of the E-Gates as a milestone in Ghana's digital transformation, Mahama's criticism highlights lingering concerns about the robustness and reliability of these systems. While the Vice President’s office has yet to respond to Mahama's remarks, the debate underscores the political undertones in Ghana's ongoing push toward digitalization.
The commissioning of the E-Gates is part of Ghana’s broader efforts to modernize its border management and position itself as a leader in digital innovation on the African continent. However, the mixed reactions highlight the challenges of aligning technological advancements with public expectations and political accountability.
Addressing supporters on the fifth day of his campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, Mahama dismissed these assertions as deceptive. He alleged that Dr. Bawumia's statements about the Ghana Card were designed to exaggerate his achievements in digitalization, describing them as attempts to bolster his image as "Mr. Digital."
The former president cited a recent incident during the commissioning of E-Gates at Terminal 3 of Kotoka International Airport in Accra. According to Mahama, Dr. Bawumia reportedly experienced delays while attempting to use his passport at the newly launched automated gates, an episode that Mahama claimed undermines the Vice President’s credibility on the digitalization agenda.
Mocking the situation, Mahama quipped, "The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man." He further added, “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, a significant part of Ghana’s digitization initiatives, were inaugurated by Dr. Bawumia on December 3 as part of efforts to streamline the country’s immigration processes. The system, which integrates advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing, allows travelers to bypass traditional immigration checks using the Ghana Card. Dr. Bawumia described the E-Gates as a transformative step toward frictionless and secure travel.
At the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the broader implications of the system, noting that the E-Gates represent the future of border management. "With the ability to facilitate E-visas and a fully digital travel process, Ghana is now prepared for the future of border control," he stated.
The Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, underscored the system's role in enhancing national security. He explained that the E-Gates not only improve traveler convenience but also provide a robust mechanism to prevent undesirable elements from entering the country. "These gates are enablers that enhance border control and security, going beyond being just technological banners," Quartey noted.
The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi, also praised the efficiency of the system. He emphasized how the new immigration process would enable officers to clear travelers faster while ensuring thorough security checks.
Despite the government’s celebration of the E-Gates as a milestone in Ghana's digital transformation, Mahama's criticism highlights lingering concerns about the robustness and reliability of these systems. While the Vice President’s office has yet to respond to Mahama's remarks, the debate underscores the political undertones in Ghana's ongoing push toward digitalization.
The commissioning of the E-Gates is part of Ghana’s broader efforts to modernize its border management and position itself as a leader in digital innovation on the African continent. However, the mixed reactions highlight the challenges of aligning technological advancements with public expectations and political accountability.