Former President John Dramani Mahama has launched a sharp critique of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s much-touted digitalization initiatives, accusing him of exaggerating the success of these projects and misleading Ghanaians. Mahama, who is the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming election, made his remarks during his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region on December 4, 2024.
The criticism stems from an incident that occurred during the commissioning of the E-Gates at Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on December 3, 2024. The E-Gates, part of Ghana’s ambitious digitalization agenda, are designed to use Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing to streamline immigration processes and enable seamless entry for travelers using the Ghana Card.
Dr. Bawumia, who inaugurated the system, described it as a transformative step in modernizing Ghana’s border management. He emphasized the potential of the E-Gates to revolutionize travel by eliminating traditional immigration checks, integrating e-visas, and providing a fully digital travel experience. “With these E-Gates, Ghana is leading the way in Africa by leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance security and provide a faster, more efficient travel experience,” the Vice President stated during the ceremony.
However, Mahama seized on reports that Dr. Bawumia faced delays while attempting to use the E-Gates with his passport, branding the incident as a symbolic failure of the digitalization efforts. Mocking the Vice President, Mahama remarked, “The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man.” He went on to question the integrity of the digitalization agenda, adding, “You can do all the propaganda you want about digitalization, but if the fundamentals are weak, the digital gate will expose you.”
Mahama also critiqued the Vice President’s claims that the Ghana Card facilitates international travel, labeling them as misleading. He argued that while the digital initiatives may look promising on the surface, their practical implementation leaves much to be desired. “The essence of innovation is to solve problems, not create new ones. If the system can’t deliver when it matters most, then what’s the point?” Mahama queried during his address to supporters.
The incident has since become a hot topic in Ghana’s heated political landscape, with the NDC using it as ammunition to question the credibility of Dr. Bawumia’s leadership in spearheading digital transformation. According to Mahama, the failure of the E-Gates to operate seamlessly during their high-profile launch exposes deeper flaws in the government’s digitalization agenda. “It’s not about flashy technology or cutting ribbons. It’s about delivering real, tangible benefits to the people of Ghana,” Mahama asserted.
Despite Mahama’s criticisms, the government has maintained that the E-Gates represent a landmark achievement in Ghana’s quest to modernize its public services and position itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. The E-Gates, government officials argue, are part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency, security, and convenience in border management, contributing to the country’s long-term development goals.
Political analysts note that the incident has not only provided fodder for the opposition but also highlighted the broader challenges of implementing large-scale digital infrastructure projects in Ghana. While the initiative’s goals are commendable, ensuring seamless execution and addressing potential flaws are crucial to gaining public trust and reaping the intended benefits.
The controversy surrounding the E-Gates also reflects the larger narrative of the 2024 elections, where technology and governance have emerged as key campaign themes. Both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are vying to convince Ghanaians of their ability to lead the country into a future defined by innovation, transparency, and efficiency.
As the December 7 elections draw closer, Mahama’s pointed critique of the Vice President underscores the opposition’s strategy of questioning the government’s record on digitalization and governance. While the ruling NPP continues to tout its achievements in these areas, incidents like the E-Gate malfunction have provided the NDC with opportunities to challenge their narrative and appeal to undecided voters.
In the end, the debate over the E-Gates is more than just a battle of wits between political rivals; it is a test of Ghana’s commitment to innovation and its ability to deliver on the promises of a digital future. Whether this incident will significantly impact voter perception remains to be seen, but it has certainly added another layer of intrigue to an already intense election season.
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