In a significant step forward, Ghana will implement paternity leave as part of a comprehensive series of labour reforms slated for 2024.
Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adam announced the initiative during his mid-year budget review, highlighting that this policy aims to enhance gender equality and support family well-being by granting fathers time off to care for their newborns.
Additionally, the Labour Bill 2024, sponsored by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, seeks to strengthen labour administration and regulate the workforce.
This follows Parliament finalisation of the draft Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, initiated by Madina MP Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu.
The bill will extend maternity leave and introduce paternity leave in Ghana. The amendment to Section 54 of the Labour Act entitles male workers to a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks of paternity leave, in addition to their annual leave, upon providing a medical certificate indicating their spouse’s expected confinement date.
The provision ensures male workers receive full benefits and remuneration during paternity leave.
