Ghana’s new constitution may grant paternity leave to male

The Constitution Review Implementation Committee has proposed a statutory five day paternity leave for male workers.

This was announced at a news briefing in Accra by the chairman of the committee Prof. Emmanuel Danquah.

When implemented, fathers would be required to produce a medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner or midwife to testify that the wife has given birth.

The male worker will still be entitled to his salary, it stated. There are also plans to extend the maternity leave from twelve weeks to sixteen weeks for mothers.

Prof. Danquah stated that the interest of the child as well as productivity have been taken into consideration. He believes the 5 day leave is important.

Some men Joy News spoke to have described the proposal as "good news".

“I think it will be good news for the fathers but I think it is not necessary, what do fathers do?”

“It is very very ideal, at times; they (women) need a little help…”