The introduction of electronic gates (e-gates) at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport (KIA) has been hailed as a significant step forward in modernizing border management. Aimed at expediting passenger processing and strengthening security, the initiative aligns with global trends in airport automation. However, based on my experience as a frequent traveler and journalist who has visited over 80 countries and gained firsthand insight into how the aviation industry operates, I see significant gaps that could hinder the system’s effectiveness in Ghana.
While this initiative showcases ambition, its success requires more than just the installation of state-of-the-art technology. It demands reliable infrastructure, proper maintenance, and strategic execution—all areas where Ghana faces recurring challenges.
An Ambitious System in a Fragile Infrastructure
Traveling through some of the world’s most efficient airports, from Singapore’s Changi to Amsterdam’s Schiphol, has underscored for me how foundational infrastructure underpins seamless operations. Unfortunately, Ghana’s infrastructural realities may undermine the effectiveness of the e-gate system.
At KIA, electricity supply and internet connectivity—two critical components for operating e-gates—are far from guaranteed. Ghana’s national grid frequently experiences power outages, and while Kotoka boasts backup generators, these systems are not foolproof. Even a brief power disruption during peak travel hours could cause significant delays, forcing travelers to revert to manual immigration processes.
Equally concerning is the reliability of internet services. E-gates require uninterrupted access to biometric databases for verification. Inconsistent internet connectivity, which is not uncommon in Accra, could cause the system to freeze, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated. These disruptions would undermine the intended efficiency of the e-gates.
The Biometric Data Dilemma
Having seen how biometric systems operate in countries with advanced data management frameworks, I can confidently say that Ghana’s current biometric infrastructure is not yet robust enough to support such technology. E-gates depend on accurate and reliable biometric data, yet Ghana’s track record in this area is patchy at best.
During the 2020 voter registration exercise, for example, the biometric system experienced widespread issues, including mismatched fingerprints and corrupted data. Similarly, Ghanaian passports often encounter delays and errors during the biometric capture process. These inefficiencies suggest that the e-gates may struggle to recognize travelers, leading to unnecessary delays and disputes at the airport.
In airports like Frankfurt or Dubai, where I’ve personally experienced the speed and accuracy of e-gates, these systems are backed by years of investment in precise biometric data collection and processing. Ghana must prioritize fixing these foundational issues before relying heavily on technology that demands perfection.
Poor Maintenance Culture: A Risk to Longevity
Another critical challenge is Ghana’s well-documented poor maintenance culture. Across the globe, airports with successful e-gates dedicate significant resources to maintenance, including regular software updates and round-the-clock technical support teams. Ghana, however, has a history of neglecting infrastructure after the initial fanfare fades.
Examples abound, from malfunctioning traffic lights in Accra to abandoned ICT centers. Without consistent funding and skilled technicians to maintain the e-gates, they risk becoming obsolete within a few years. Airports like Singapore’s Changi and Tokyo’s Narita, where I’ve experienced impeccable service, invest heavily in preventive maintenance to keep their systems running smoothly—something Ghana must emulate if it hopes to sustain this project.
Security and Operational Gaps
As someone who has spent years observing the aviation industry, I’ve seen the delicate balance between automation and human oversight in airport operations. While e-gates enhance security by automating passenger screening, they also introduce risks.
Hackers, for example, could exploit vulnerabilities in the e-gate system to access sensitive biometric data. Ghana’s limited experience with large-scale cybersecurity measures raises concerns about how well such risks can be mitigated. Additionally, there is the danger of over-reliance on the e-gates, which could lead to complacency among immigration officers. Manual checks remain a crucial layer of security, and their gradual erosion could leave gaps that sophisticated criminals could exploit.
A Misfit for Ghana’s Current Needs
Perhaps the most significant issue is that the e-gates seem misaligned with Ghana’s current air travel challenges. From my experience in airports across Africa, Asia, and Europe, the most pressing concerns travelers face in developing countries often revolve around inefficient baggage handling, overcrowded waiting areas, and slow security checks. At Kotoka, these issues persist.
Rather than addressing these fundamental problems, the authorities have invested in a technology that primarily benefits biometric passport holders. Many Ghanaians and travelers from neighboring West African countries still use traditional passports, which means a significant portion of passengers cannot utilize the e-gates. This raises questions about the inclusivity and practicality of the system.
As someone who has traversed the world’s busiest airports and observed best practices in aviation, I believe Ghana’s e-gate system is a step in the right direction but one that risks stumbling without critical adjustments. Reliable electricity, robust internet connectivity, accurate biometric data, consistent maintenance, and clear communication are essential for the system to succeed.
Kotoka International Airport’s modernization efforts are commendable, but implementing advanced technology in a context where foundational challenges remain unaddressed is like building a skyscraper on shaky ground. For the e-gates to truly enhance Ghana’s aviation experience, these gaps must be urgently addressed. Otherwise, the initiative risks becoming another high-cost, low-impact project that fails to deliver on its promises.