The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) running mate, John Dramani Mahama, has said his next administration will grant a one-week paternity leave to men whose wives give birth.
He says the policy will only be enjoyed by husbands whose wives give birth and not their girlfriends, also termed as ‘sidechicks’.
Mahama made the comments when he announced an extension of maternity leave for women from three months to four months should the NDC wins the upcoming December elections.
He says the three months period which the status quo provides does not give the women enough time to properly wean their babies before returning to their jobs.
Speaking in Twi at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at the launch of the party’s Women’s Manifesto Monday, September 30, 2024, John Mahama said men would have to provide evidence that their wives have given birth before they are given the leave.
“We’ll increase maternity to four months. Because it if from the fourth month the mother starts weaning the baby. That means the child can start eating in bits before the woman can resume work.
“The men would also enjoy paternity leave whilst the women enjoy four months. That will be a one week period for the man to go and help the woman,” he stated.
“So, the men should ensure they apply for the paternity leave when the woman is your wife not your sidechicks. Before you get that, you’ll have to provide the child’s birth certificate with the name of both you and the mother,” he stated.
Source:onuaonline.com