Former President John Dramani Mahama has taken aim at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of misleading Ghanaians about his role in the country’s digitalization efforts.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer described some of Dr. Bawumia’s claims as exaggerated, particularly the assertion that the Ghana Card enables international travel.
Speaking during his tour of the Ashanti Region, Mr. Mahama referenced an incident during the commissioning of the E-Gates at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
He claimed that Dr. Bawumia experienced a delay when attempting to use the new system with his passport, raising questions about the Vice President’s touted achievements in digitalization.
Mocking the Vice President, Mr. Mahama quipped, “The digital gate didn’t open for the digital man.” He further criticized Dr. Bawumia’s 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.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Tuesday, December 3, inaugurated state-of-the-art E-Gates at Terminal 3 of KIA, hailing it as a transformative step in Ghana’s digitalization drive.
The system, which integrates technologies like Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing, is designed to streamline immigration processes by allowing travellers to use the Ghana Card for seamless entry.
During the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Bawumia described the initiative as a bold step toward modernizing Ghana’s border management. “With these E-Gates, Ghana is leading the way in Africa by leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide a faster, more efficient, and secure travel experience,” he said.
The E-Gates eliminate the need for traditional immigration checks, enabling travellers to clear immigration in seconds.
The system also supports E-visa integration and a fully digital travel process, signalling Ghana’s readiness for a future defined by innovation in border management.
The E-Gate malfunction incident has sparked a political debate, with the NDC using it to question the credibility of the Vice President’s digitalization agenda.
Meanwhile, the government maintains that the initiative is a landmark achievement in Ghana’s push toward modernizing public services and enhancing the travel experience.
Read Also >>>> Dr. M. Bawumia & the Thin Veil of Digitalization – David Zekpah writes
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has announced traffic guidelines and road diversions ahead of the final rallies of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday, December 5.
These measures are aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing clashes between supporters.
The NPP’s rally will be held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, while the NDC’s event is set to take place at Zurak Park in Madina.
Diversion Routes
At a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, December 4, Director of the Police Public Affairs Directorate, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, outlined specific traffic arrangements:
- For NPP Supporters
- Supporters traveling from Adenta will be redirected at Ritz Junction to take a left turn through Aviation and UPSA, before proceeding to Okponglo to access Legon.
- Those coming from Dome will be routed through Haatso Junction, heading toward GIMPA and onward to the University of Ghana.
- For NDC Supporters
- Supporters travelling from the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange will turn right at Shiashie, proceed toward UPSA, and then turn left to join the Madina main road.
- Those arriving from Dome will take a left turn at the KFC Junction on Haatso Road, continue toward Wisconsin University, and proceed to Zongo Junction.
Traffic Controls and Safety Measures
The police announced that a roadblock will be set up in front of the NDC rally venue in Madina to manage traffic flow.
Officers will also be stationed along key routes to assist road users and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Appeal for Discipline
The police have called on both parties to ensure that their supporters maintain discipline and avoid actions that could lead to disturbances.
They emphasized the importance of cooperation with law enforcement to guarantee a peaceful and orderly conclusion to campaign activities.
#GhanaPolls2024
#CitiVerify
#ElectionBureau
Read Also >>> John Mahama’s first 120days Social Contract with Ghanaians
Also Trending >>>> To Break Or Not To Break The 8 – David Zekpah
