In a significant development, the Tripartite Committee, consisting of representatives from Labour Unions, the National Labour Commission (NLC), and government officials, has successfully concluded its work on the paternity leave proposal. The committee’s key recommendations include proposing a paternity leave period of either one week or one month. Simultaneously, they advocate for an extension of maternity leave from the current three-month period to six months.
Announcing the outcomes, Mr. Ofosu Asamoah, the Executive Secretary of the NLC, revealed that the committee received proposals from unions advocating for paternity leave and an expanded maternity leave duration. The final draft of the proposal will soon be presented to the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, marking a crucial step before cabinet and parliamentary approval.
To ensure inclusivity and gather diverse perspectives, the committee plans to organize stakeholder engagements, seeking input from various groups, including women and the media. This approach aligns with their commitment to a thorough and consultative process.
Notably, within the parliamentary landscape, Mr. Francis-Xavier Sosu, a Member of Parliament for Madina, has taken a proactive step by sponsoring a private member’s bill. The bill proposes amendments to extend maternity leave from three to four months and introduces paid paternity leave for men, ranging from a minimum of seven days to a maximum of four weeks. Additionally, it suggests an option for an extra two weeks of maternity leave in specific situations like caesarean sections, stillbirths, or multiple births.
The Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, also recognized as “parental leave for all,” underscores the importance of providing sufficient time for new mothers to recover, exclusively breastfeed, and bond with their newborns before resuming work. The proposed paternity leave aims to empower men to support their spouses and contribute to domestic responsibilities during this crucial period.
As these proposals move through the legislative process, they signal a positive stride towards fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment for new parents in the workforce. Stay tuned for further updates as these vital discussions unfold.
