TECHNOLOGY
Wode Maya Shares Experience With Bawumia’s E-Gate At KIA: “Immigration Officers Laughed At Me”

Renowned Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya is no stranger to sharing his travel experiences with his millions of followers. But his recent encounter at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) has sparked conversations about Ghana’s e-gate system and its effectiveness. The content creator recounted his experience with the e-gate, a technology introduced under Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s initiative to modernize airport operations and streamline immigration processes.
E-Gate vs. Human Touch
Wode Maya, known for his candid storytelling, detailed his attempt to use the e-gate system upon his arrival at KIA. The e-gate is designed to provide a quicker, hassle-free alternative to traditional immigration checks by leveraging biometric technology. However, for Wode Maya, the experience was anything but seamless.
“I walked confidently to the e-gate, expecting it to work effortlessly, but it didn’t recognize me. I kept trying, but nothing happened,” Wode Maya shared. The situation quickly drew the attention of nearby immigration officers, who found humor in his struggle. “They laughed at me and said, ‘This one doesn’t work for everybody.’”
Highlighting Systemic Issues
While Wode Maya’s lighthearted recounting of the incident provided comic relief, it also underscored potential issues with the e-gate system. Introduced as part of Ghana’s digitalization agenda, the e-gates are meant to enhance efficiency at entry points. However, technical glitches, user unfamiliarity, and system limitations have raised concerns about its practicality.
“I’m all for innovation,” Wode Maya noted, “but we need to make sure the systems we introduce actually work for everyone, not just a select few.”
A Broader Conversation on Digitalization
The incident has sparked discussions on social media, with many Ghanaians sharing similar experiences or opinions about the state of digitalization in the country. Some praised the government’s efforts to modernize, while others emphasized the importance of ensuring reliability and inclusivity in technological advancements.
Critics argue that for systems like the e-gate to succeed, there must be thorough testing, proper maintenance, and continuous training for both users and immigration officers. Others have called for alternative solutions for individuals who may face difficulties using the system, such as manual checks or support staff dedicated to assisting travelers.
Wode Maya’s Takeaway
Despite the hiccup, Wode Maya’s experience did not dampen his enthusiasm for Ghana’s progress in digital innovation. “I believe we’re on the right path. These are the kinds of stories that help us improve,” he remarked. His positive outlook and willingness to share his experience have encouraged authorities and citizens alike to reflect on how to make digital services more effective.
The e-gate initiative at KIA represents a significant step in Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a leader in digital transformation on the continent. However, Wode Maya’s story is a reminder that every technological advancement comes with its own set of challenges.
As Ghana continues to innovate, feedback from users like Wode Maya can serve as valuable input to refine and enhance these systems. In the end, technology is only as good as its ability to serve the people it’s designed for.
For now, Wode Maya’s experience serves as both a humorous anecdote and a constructive critique, urging stakeholders to strive for a future where no one has to laugh off an e-gate mishap at the airport.