Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu has initiated a bill titled Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to amend Section 57(1) of the Labour Act to extend the period of maternity leave from 12 weeks to 16 weeks (three months to four months).

The bill will also provide the option of an additional two weeks in the case of caesarean, stillbirth(s) or multiple births, and provide for related matters.

The Madina Legislator is also seeking an amendment to Section 20 of the Labour Act to introduce paternity leave for a minimum period of seven days and a maximum period of four weeks with an option for an additional two weeks in the case of caesarean, stillbirth(s) or multiple delivery of spouse.

According to Mr Sosu, maternity and paternity leave are important for both parents to have the opportunity to welcome and bond with the newest member of the family.

While maternity leave is mandatory in Ghana, paternity leave tends to be forgotten.

“The father of the child at times is locked out of this exciting and important moment and the only chance he has is after working hours when he is already tired and exhausted.

"As such, the exclusion and silence of the law in regards to paternity leave are unfair and a clear indication of discrimination against men considering that fathers would also like to have a chance to familiarize themselves with the changes a newborn brings to a home.”

Globally, countries which offer paid paternity leave include Canada – 5 weeks at 55 per cent pay, Estonia – 4.2 weeks at 100 per cent pay, France – 16 weeks at 100 per cent pay, Iceland – 26 weeks at 80 per cent pay, Japan – one year at 67 per cent pay for the first 180 days and 50 per cent for the remainder, Lithuania – 4.2 weeks at 77.58 per cent pay, Norway – 15 weeks at 100 per cent pay or 19 weeks at 80 per cent
pay, Slovenia – 22.9 weeks at 100 per cent pay, Spain – 16 weeks at 100 per cent pay, and Sweden – 34.2 weeks at 80 per cent pay, among others.

Furthermore, recent studies conducted by McKinsey-McGrill University on paternity leave (2020) show that men who took paternity leave viewed it overwhelmingly as a positive experience 100% were glad they took the leave and would do so again; 90% noticed an improvement in their relationship with their partner; and 20% felt that the risk of a career setback was the main downside but that the benefits outweighed that worry.

In the end, one in four of the fathers wished that they had longer paid paternity leave.

Mr Sosu also noted that the decision to extend maternal leave was to ensure adequate breastfeeding by lactating mothers, and as a result of the absence of specific provisions in the Ghana Labour Law that addresses or offer support for women grappling with the loss of pregnancy or babies, hence, the need for laws or legislative regime that extend compassionate support to women during their times of vulnerability.

The initiation of the Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, brings to fourteen the total number of Private Member’s Bills initiated by the Madina MP.

These include bills to substitute life imprisonment for the death penalty; proscribe witchcraft accusations; remove taxes on sanitary pads; review legal education and redefine the functions of the General Legal Council (GLC); ensure five per cent minimum employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs); ensure compensation for victims of unlawful arrest, incarceration and detention; and provide NHIS coverage for mental health patients and victims of sexual violation; among others.