John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National
Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to introduce a one-week paternity leave
for men if elected in the upcoming December elections. The announcement was
made during the NDC Women’s Manifesto launch held in Kumasi on Monday.
In addition to paternity leave, Mahama also revealed plans
to extend the current maternity leave from three months to four months. The
extended maternity leave, he explained, aims to allow mothers more time to care
for their newborns, thus ensuring proper development during the crucial early
stages of a child’s life.
Mahama emphasized the importance of involving both parents
in childcare and stressed the need for newborns to receive adequate care from
both their mother and father. He explained that the paternity leave initiative
would support fathers in providing the necessary care and assistance to the
mother during this critical period.
“Whereas the mother gets four months maternity leave, the
father of the child will also get a paternity leave of up to a week for you, as
a father, to take care of the mother and the child,” Mahama said.
However, he made it clear that this benefit would only apply
to legally married men. Fathers wishing to take advantage of the one-week
paternity leave must provide proof of their marital status to qualify.
“But as a man, you must provide evidence that the woman is
your wife. You will enjoy that if the woman is your legally married wife,” he
added.
The proposed policy is part of Mahama’s broader vision to
strengthen family structures and support parents in the upbringing of their
children. He noted that the early involvement of fathers is crucial for the
development of the child and contributes to a healthier family environment.
The proposed leave policies are expected to promote gender
equity in caregiving and underscore the NDC’s commitment to improving the
welfare of families in Ghana. The introduction of paternity leave would be a
significant step toward acknowledging the role of fathers in early childhood
care, while the extended maternity leave would provide mothers with additional
time for bonding and recovery.
The NDC’s manifesto, which places a focus on family welfare
and women’s rights, has been well-received by many, particularly women’s
advocacy groups. Supporters of the policy argue that providing leave for both
parents could lead to better outcomes for children and greater work-life
balance for families.
As the December elections approach, Mahama’s promises are
expected to resonate with voters looking for enhanced social policies that
support families and promote equality in the home.
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