Infotech Lead Africa: Gemalto, a provider of digital security solutions, has won a major deal to provide Ghana Immigration Services (GIS) with highly secure electronic visa and border management solution.
The initiative is part of the eGhana project that is supported by the World Bank to create a modern IT infrastructure.
As as prime contractor and turnkey supplier, Gemalto will take responsibility for integrating advanced visa and border management solution, including change management, transitional training and maintenance services.
The company will deploy border management systems at Ghana’s main ports of arrival and will implement a fully computerized system for visa and permit applications processing and issuing, with the collaboration of Avalon Biometrics.
The project also covers the set up of an online portal service for visa application, and the implementation of electronic gates at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport, for rapid, convenient and automated border control of arrivals and departures.
Aided by biometric data, the authorities will be able to account accurately for everyone entering and leaving the country. The system will also improve the traveling experience, delivering faster and significantly more convenient border control procedures for visitors.
Ari Bouzbib, Senior Vice President for Government Programs at Gemalto, said: “It will put the country’s border control processes on par with the latest, cutting-edge practices worldwide. In addition to helping to transform Ghana, it can serve as a template for modernization across many other countries in Africa.”
