Ghana Signs Double Taxation Avoidance Pact With Mauritius

By Maxwell Ofori

As part of measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the Government of Ghana has signed a Double Taxation Avoidance agreement (DTA) with the government of Mauritius.

That notwithstanding, the two countries have also set up a Ghana-Mauritius Permanent Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, as part of measures to facilitate trade between both countries.

As well, Ghana and Mauritius have agreed to collaborate on an investment promotion and protection agreement, to better channel investment into each other's country, possibly via Special Investment Zones.

The Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana, while Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, signed on behalf of Mauritius. The DTA is subject to ratification by Ghana's Parliament.

The agreements were signed on Saturday March 11, 2017 at Port Louis, Mauritius, in the lead up to the celebration of the Indian Ocean nation's 49th Independence Anniversary, which falls on March 12.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the signing ceremony, Ghana's Vice President, Alhaji Dr Bawumia, who was the Special Guest for the celebrations, explained that the agreements form part of Ghana's quest for greater cooperation with the rest of the world, especially Africa, in order to boost trade.

"We have seen the manifestation of the first fruits of this Joint Permanent Commission, with the signing of the historic double taxation agreement between Ghana and Mauritius, and 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.

Dr Bawumia emphasised the need for greater intra-African trade to better the lives of Africans. "Our government believes very strongly there has to be more trade within the African Continent, and among countries of the South. There has to be more investment and more cooperation.

"We are happy to note that this type of cooperation that we seek is being manifested, especially recently in our relationship with Mauritius, in the area of trying to set up Ghana as an International Financial Services Centre in the West African Sub region," Dr Bawumia indicated.

The Prime Minister of Mauritius, H. E. Anerood Jugnauth, announced that a number of framework agreements have also been reviewed, including the setting up of 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 Utilities Regulatory Commission and Mauritius was also discussed," Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth disclosed.

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