Ghana has signed an agreement with the government of Mauritius to ensure that its investors will not be taxed twice by the two countries and vice-versa.
Known as the Double Taxation Avoidance agreement (DTA), the both Foreign Affairs ministers Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and Mauritius counterpart Hon SeetanahLutchmeenaraidoo signed the agreement at a ceremony last Saturday at Port Louis, Mauritius.
The DTA comes ahead of the celebration of the Indian Ocean nation’s 49th Independence anniversary, which falls on March 12.
The DTA is subject to ratification by Ghana’s Parliament.
Speaking at a joint press conference after the signing ceremony, the Special Guest for the Celebrations Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Bawumia, called the agreement ‘ historic’ signal of Ghana’s quest for more trade and cooperation especially with other African countries.
“We believe that this will provide a platform to give confidence to investors both in Ghana and Mauritius to undertake investments in our respective countries and not be taxed twice by our respective governments. We believe this is just the beginning of our cooperation,” Vice President Bawumia indicated.
He said government’s trade goals is to set up Ghana as an International Financial Services Centre in the West African Sub region.
Mauritius Prime Minister H.E. AneroodJugnauth, also used the opportunity to announce Mauritius business interests in Ghana.
He said an in agreement is in the offing to set up a Technology Park at Dawa in the Greater Accra region, and investments in the energy and tourism sectors.
“We have also agreed to pursue consultations on two project proposals submitted by Mauritius, namely, the setting up of a solar energy power generation, and a tourism and hospitality project providing for the construction of a coastal resort in Ghana.”
“Cooperation between the Public Utility Regulatory Commission and Mauritius was also discussed” Prime Minister AneroodJugnauth disclosed.
The countries have also set up a Ghana-Mauritius Permanent Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, to consolidate trade interests.
The Ghanaian delegation to Mauritius included Hon Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communication, Hon Mohammed Awal, Minister for Business Development, Mr Reginald Grant, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and other senior government officials.