Ghana has taken a major step toward revolutionizing its travel experience with the introduction of six electronic gates (e-gates) at the arrival hall of Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Commissioned by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, these e-gates are designed to support e-visas and digital travel processes, making airport entry smoother and more efficient.
How the E-Gates Work
The e-gates use advanced biometric recognition technology to simplify and secure the immigration process:
- Travel Document Scanning: Travelers place their e-passport, digital travel document, or e-passport card on the scanner.
- Authentication: The system verifies the document by cross-referencing national and international databases.
- Biometric Matching: The technology matches the traveler’s biometrics for identity confirmation.
- Access Granted or Denied: If the verification is successful, the gates open automatically. In case of discrepancies, security is immediately alerted.
This new technology ensures that immigration clearance is faster and more secure. Travelers can now complete the process in as little as 15 minutes, a significant improvement for both efficiency and convenience.
Dr. Bawumia shared plans to expand this advanced border control system to other major airports in Kumasi and Tamale, as well as land and sea borders. This marks an important move toward integrating modern technology into Ghana’s travel systems, making the country a leader in adopting innovations like artificial intelligence, biometric verification, and real-time data processing.
The e-gates were developed through a four-year collaboration with Margins Group and are fully managed by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). Their integration not only improves the travel experience but also strengthens border security, with features like database cross-referencing against Interpol’s Global Watch List and Ghana’s National Watch List.
By implementing such forward-thinking measures, Ghana is creating a faster, safer, and more reliable travel environment, meeting the evolving expectations of global travelers while supporting the country’s broader vision for technological progress.
Below is a gallery from the official launch at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana.
