Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has announced intentions to implement paternity leave as part of labor reforms under the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s proposed Labour Bill for 2024.
Male employees may request paternity leave within three months of the wife’s or surrogate’s childbirth or following the adoption of a child under one year old. To qualify, male employees must provide proof of birth or adoption to their employer.
Upon approval, the employer is required to grant a minimum of five days of paternity leave, effective from the specified date in the application. However, a worker cannot be granted more than one paternity leave within a 24-month period.
Women have also been considered under the reforms, where maternity leave may be extended by an additional two weeks in the event of multiple deliveries or an unusual period for the body to recuperate and recover from childbirth.
The proposed law also permits the extension of maternity leave in situations of stillbirth or baby loss and provides extended time for pregnant workers with pregnancy-related ailments, as confirmed by a medical professional. Female employees are further entitled to full remuneration and benefits and are protected from maternity absence-related dismissal.
Additionally, nursing mothers will be entitled to interrupt their work for an hour during working hours to nurse their babies, with this interruption considered as working hours and compensated accordingly.
Dr. Adam emphasized the government’s commitment to improving worker rights and benefits by announcing that the Labour Law is anticipated to be adopted before the end of the year.
Source:GraphicOnline
