The government has announced the introduction of paternity and extended maternity leave, as part of a series of labour reforms planned for the year 2024.
The Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam revealed it during the Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on July 23.
According to him, the government, in collaboration with social partners, have developed a draft Labour Bill, 2024, aimed at strengthening labour administration and regulating the world of work.
This bill builds on the draft Labour (Amendment) Bill finalised by Parliament in June 2024, initiated by Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu.
The proposed Labour Bill, of 2024, introduces paternity leave, allowing new fathers to spend quality time with their newborns.
To claim paternity leave, men will be required to produce a medical certificate indicating the expected date of their spouse’s confinement.
The bill also allows for extended maternity leave in cases of caesarean sections, stillbirths, or multiple births.
Dr Adam added that the bill also extends maternity leave, providing new mothers with more time to care for their babies.
The draft Labour Bill, 2024, also provides additional leave for pregnant workers experiencing pregnancy-related illnesses, ensuring they receive the care and support they need.
In cases of stillbirth or baby loss during maternity leave, new mothers can continue with or proceed on maternity leave, with the possibility of additional leave as certified by a medical practitioner.
“Mr Speaker, Government, in collaboration with its Social Partners, has developed a draft Labour Bill, 2024 to strengthen labour administration and regulation of the world of work. Key reforms proposed include strengthening labour migration governance, improving employment coordination, extension of maternity leave, and introduction of paternity leave, among others. The Labour Law is expected to be promulgated before the end of the year,” Dr Adam stated.
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