Free medical care for pregnant mothers under PNC

Accra, April 15, GNA - Pregnant mothers and mothers on maternity leave would receive free medical care and 20 per cent salary allowance respectively when Ghanaians decide to give the mandate of power to the Peoples National Congress (PNC) during the December elections. Besides, the PNC, having firm support for the current domestic violence bill, would ensure in every way, that the rights of women and children were well safeguarded, using education as an important tool. These, according to Mr Bernard Mornah, Acting Youth Organiser of PNC constitute part of the pillars within the party's manifesto, which was at its final stage of completion.

Speaking at a forum to commemorate the annual week celebration of the Association of the Social Workers of Social Work Department University of Ghana, Mr Mornah said when the PNC came into power it would work with stakeholders to carve a women's manifesto that would be used to mobilize support for making gender issues cross cutting in Ghana political process.

"The Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC) would be restructured to be more responsive to the peculiar needs of women and children and not a mere loan disbursing outfit," he said.

Mr Mornah said the party would not compromise on the free introduction of the Free Compulsory Basic Education programme in order to get the city rid of children of school-going age, whilst parents who renege on their parental duties would face the full rigors of the law.

Mrs Agnes Okudjato, National Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gave an overview of the legislations and conventions on the rights of women and children in the country and said Ghana was far advanced in that regard and government was committed in their adherence.

She cited the creation of the MOWAC as one of the major successes of government to its bid to protect the interest and rights of women.

"The creation of MOWAC is a holistic national response to the varying challenges of empowering women and children, ensuring and protecting their rights and advocating for changing traditional and cultural practices and attitudes which denies them equality..." Mrs Okudjato said.