President Mahama Directs Ministers to Expand Digital Border Platform

President John Dramani Mahama has directed three cabinet ministers to collaborate on expanding Ghana’s newly launched passenger information system to transform the country’s border management operations.

During the commissioning of the Air Navigation Services (ANS) Building and the launch of the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) Systems, the President charged the Ministers of Interior, Transport, and Foreign Affairs with specific tasks to maximize the platform’s potential.

“I’m directing the Honorable Ministers responsible for Interior, Transport, and Foreign Affairs to collaborate to ensure that this platform is expanded to enable us quickly implement the long-awaited e-Visa services for the country,” President Mahama announced.

The Ministers must work together to implement several key initiatives using the new API/PNR digital infrastructure. 

Their primary assignment involves rolling out Ghana’s long-awaited electronic visa system, which has been under development for years. 

Beyond e-Visa implementation, the Ministers must extend the system to cover all of Ghana’s entry points. 

The current system operates at airports, but the President wants it expanded to sea and land border posts across the country.

The directive also includes integrating the platform with e-gate systems for automated immigration processing and developing an Advanced Cargo Information System to benefit customs operations. 

President Mahama explained his rationale: “These policy directives will ensure the country enjoys the full benefits of what we are witnessing today.”

The expansion is expected to streamline visa application processes by reducing paperwork and bureaucratic delays. This should boost tourism by making Ghana more accessible to visitors and enhance the country’s appeal for international business. 

The President emphasized that digital transformation of border management aligns with global trends. 

“The future of travel is digital, and Ghana must not be left behind,” he stated during the ceremony.

The new systems enable security agencies to collect and process passenger data in real time, identifying potential threats before arrival or departure while improving immigration and customs procedures. 

The directive transforms what began as an aviation infrastructure project into a broader government mandate for border digitization. 

The API/PNR systems launched brings Ghana into compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 and International Civil Aviation Organization frameworks for enhanced border security and counter-terrorism efforts.

RIchard Aniagyei, ISD