Josiah
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has introduced the Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks to modify Section 57(1) of the Labour Act. The primary goal of this bill is to extend maternity leave from 12 weeks (3 months) to 16 weeks (4 months), with the provision of an additional 2 weeks for cases involving caesarean deliveries, stillbirth(s), or multiple births. Furthermore, the bill aims to address related matters.
In addition to the extension of maternity leave, Mr. Sosu is pushing for an amendment to Section 20 of the Labour Act. This proposed change introduces paternity leave, allowing fathers to take a minimum of 7 days and a maximum of 4 weeks off work, with the option of an extra two weeks in cases of caesarean deliveries, stillbirth(s), or the birth of multiples.
Sosu highlights the significance of both maternity and paternity leave, emphasizing the importance of enabling both parents to actively engage in welcoming and bonding with their new family members. While maternity leave is mandated in Ghana, paternity leave is often overlooked. Sosu argues that fathers should have the opportunity to participate in these critical moments, as they are sometimes excluded from the initial bonding experience due to work commitments.
The bill draws attention to global standards, noting that various countries provide paid paternity leave. Examples include Canada (5 weeks at 55 percent pay), France (16 weeks at 100 percent pay), and Iceland (26 weeks at 80 percent pay), among others. Recent research by McKinsey-McGrill University on paternity leave, conducted in 2020, underscores the positive impact of such leave, with a vast majority of men reporting satisfaction and improved relationships with their partners.
Additionally, Sosu’s proposal to extend maternity leave aims to support lactating mothers, ensuring that they have ample time for breastfeeding. This change is motivated by the absence of specific provisions in Ghana’s Labor Law addressing the needs of women who have experienced pregnancy loss or infant loss, highlighting the need for compassionate support during vulnerable times.
The initiation of the Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, adds to a list of fourteen Private Member’s Bills introduced by the Madina MP. These bills cover a wide range of issues, including criminal justice reform, taxation, legal education, disability employment, compensation for wrongful detention, and healthcare coverage for mental health patients and victims of sexual violation. Sosu’s legislative initiatives reflect a commitment to addressing important social and legal matters in the interest of the public.
Source:Omanghana.com
