Member of Parliament (MP) representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Francis-Xavier Sosu, has put forth a private member’s bill in the Ghanaian Parliament aimed at amending the Labor Act of 2003 (Act 651).
This proposed amendment, titled the Labor (Amendment) Bill of 2023, has several key objectives:
- Extension of Maternity Leave: The bill seeks to prolong maternity leave from the current three months to four months.
- Special Maternity Leave Provisions: Furthermore, it proposes an additional two weeks of maternity leave for women who undergo a caesarean section (CS), experience stillbirth(s), or give birth to multiple babies.
- Introduction of Paid Paternity Leave: The bill introduces paid paternity leave for men, advocating for a minimum of seven days and a maximum of four weeks. In cases of caesarean sections, stillbirth(s), or the birth of multiple children by a spouse, an extra two weeks of paternity leave is recommended.
This legislative proposal is designed to provide new mothers with more time for childbirth, exclusive breastfeeding, newborn care, bonding with their babies, and postpartum recovery before they rejoin the workforce.
It also aims to facilitate men in supporting their spouses and participating in domestic responsibilities during this critical period.
This legislative proposal, named “parental leave for all,” is specifically crafted to provide new mothers with an extended period for childbirth, exclusive breastfeeding, newborn care, bonding, and postpartum recovery before they rejoin the workforce. Simultaneously, it aims to empower men to support their spouses and share domestic responsibilities during this vital phase.
Mr. Sosu, the bill’s sponsor and MP representing Madina, underscores the critical significance of extending maternity leave to promote exclusive breastfeeding and maternal recuperation. He highlights the concerning maternal mortality rate in Ghana and how enhancing maternity leave can substantially contribute to improving the well-being of women.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr. Sosu elucidates that the bill addresses the lack of specific provisions in Ghana’s labor laws to assist women dealing with pregnancy or the loss of a child.
He emphasized the necessity for compassionate support during these vulnerable moments and discusses the ongoing debate regarding a woman’s entitlement to maternity leave in cases of stillbirth or baby loss.
Mr. Sosu also emphasizes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to extend maternity leave to six months, facilitating exclusive breastfeeding, an idea endorsed by the Ghana Medical Association.
He underscored the vital role of maternity leave in affording new mothers the time required to give birth, recover, care for their infants, and build a strong bond with them.
The bill also addresses the circumstances of women who, regrettably, experience the loss of their babies during pregnancy or childbirth, a situation where existing legislation does not provide guidance.
This has spurred discussions about the fundamental purpose of maternity leave, prompting questions about whether it is exclusively tied to the presence of a living baby or encompasses the broader spectrum of the childbirth experience.
Furthermore, in addition to maternity leave, the bill underscores the significance of paternity leave for fathers, granting them the opportunity to create a strong bond with their newborns.
It cites a study demonstrating that numerous countries globally offer statutory paid paternity leave, emphasizing the importance of enabling both parents to welcome and nurture their new family members.