Netherlands headquartered digital security company Gemalto has inked a deal with Ghana Immigration Services (GIS) to supply it with an electronic visa and border management system.

This contract forms part of the eGhana project, an ambitious plan with backing from the World Bank to create a modern information technology infrastructure that can support the country’s sustainable development plans in the years ahead.

Gemalto is planned to act as a prime contractor in the deal. The value of the deal, though, has not been disclosed.

In a statement, the company says it will deploy border management systems at Ghana’s main ports of arrival and implement a fully computerised system for visa and permit applications processing and issuing. Gemalto intends to do this in collaboration with Spanish based firm Avalon Biometrics.

The project further encompasses the setup of an online portal service for visa applications, and the implementation of electronic gates at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport.

Aided by biometric data, Ghana’s authorities also plan to account accurately for everyone entering and leaving the country.

“To maintain Ghana’s economic development, we need an immigration system that can meet the challenges of rapid growth in international travel,” said commissioner of Police Dr. Peter A. Wiredu, who is also the director of the Ghana Immigration Service.

Meanwhile, Ari Bouzbib, senior vice president for government programs at Gemalto, said, “This advanced electronic identity management system is fundamental to the whole eGhana project,”

“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 modernisation across many other countries in Africa.”