Paternity leave bill to be laid before parliament

Government is expected to lay before parliament for discussion the International Labour Organization convention which will grant men paternity leave to also take care of newborn babies just like women do.

According to Minister of Employment and Labour Relations Haruna Iddrisu, work on the bill has been fine-tuned by cabinet and will be laid before the House for consideration.

“Mr Speaker, I am being challenged to amend the Labour Act. Mr Speaker, I am happy to announce that government has given approval and I will soon lay (before parliament) the ILO convention on maternity protection which covers all men and women,” he told parliament Thursday March 10.

In Ghana, women are entitled to 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave with full pay.

The pregnant worker has to provide a medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner or midwife, indicating the expected date of her confinement.

The maternity leave can be extended by two weeks in case of Caesarean delivery/abnormal birth or twin (or more) births.

Extended leave is granted in the event of illness due to pregnancy or confinement if certified by the medical practitioner.

When the ILO convention on maternity protection is passed, men will also be entitled to paternity leave to assist the women in taking care of newborns.