By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Jan 22, GNA – Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister-designate, Wednesday pledged to advocate extended maternity leave periods in Ghana.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointment Committee for vetting, she emphasised the importance of longer maternity leave for the well-being of mothers and children.
“… Mr Chairman, it is important for women to have a prolonged leave period, not only to take care of the children but also to properly heal. As an employer, I will encourage you that if you even have the opportunity to grant six months leave, please do that,” she said.
Dr Lartey proposed extending parental leave to fathers, ensuring both parents had sufficient time to bond with their newborns and share caregiving responsibilities.
That approach, she argued, aligned with modern family dynamics and promoted gender equity in caregiving roles.
To achieve that goal, the nominee expressed her willingness to engage with various stakeholders, including civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and gender advocates.
“Mr Chairman, I will sit with all stakeholders, CSOs who are deep into it, and join the many advocates to look at what is best and ensure that we push it. If the people of Ghana agree to it, then I will be the number one champion,” she said.
Ghana currently offers a three-month maternity leave, and the nominee aims to extend this to at least six months.
This move is in line with international recommendations, such as the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Maternity Protection Convention, which suggests a minimum of 18 weeks of maternity leave.
GNA