Mahama promises to increase maternity leave to four months

John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised to increase the maternity leave for women with one additional month if he is elected President.

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 also enjoy a one week paternity leave when their wives give birth.

“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.

Meanwhile, he said the paternity leave would only be granted to legally married men whose wives give birth. He says men whose ‘sidechicks’ give birth would not be entitled to the benefit.

“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