Ghana is set to introduce paternity leave as part of a series of labor reforms planned for 2024. Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam announced this during his mid-year budget review presentation to Parliament on July 23.
The government has developed a draft Labour Bill, 2024, aimed at strengthening labor administration and regulating the world of work.
The draft bill proposes the introduction of paternity leave, allowing male workers to take a minimum of five days off within three months of their wife’s or surrogate’s childbirth or adoption of a child under one year old. Employers must grant this leave upon approval.
The bill also seeks to extend maternity leave to at least 14 weeks, with additional leave provisions in cases of abnormal confinement or multiple births.
Female workers will receive full remuneration and benefits during maternity leave and are protected from dismissal due to maternity leave.
Furthermore, the bill provides for leave for pregnant workers experiencing pregnancy-related illnesses and allows nursing mothers to interrupt their work for an hour to nurse their babies, which will be considered as working hours and compensated accordingly.
The government aims to promulgate the Labour Law before the end of the year, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing worker rights and benefits.
