This is what Mahama's Ministerial nominee for Gender, Children, and Social Protection said about maternity leave
President John Dramani Mahama’s Ministerial Nominee for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Naa Momo Lartey, has pledged to advocate for improved maternity leave policies in Ghana.
During her vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, she outlined her commitment to working with gender advocates, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to explore extending the current three-month maternity leave period.
In her submission, Naa Momo Lartey emphasised the importance of longer maternity leave for the health and well-being of mothers and children. She encouraged employers to consider granting extended leave periods, such as six months, to allow mothers adequate time for recovery and to provide better care for their newborns.
“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 stated.
The nominee also highlighted the need to extend parental leave to fathers, ensuring both parents have sufficient time to bond with their newborns and share caregiving responsibilities. This progressive approach, she argued, aligns with modern family dynamics and promotes gender equity in caregiving roles.
Naa Momo Lartey pledged to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including CSOs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and gender advocates, to push for these changes.
“I will sit with all stakeholders, CSOs who are deep into it, and I will 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 declared.
Acknowledging the work of existing advocates campaigning for better parental leave policies, Naa Momo Lartey expressed her readiness to lend her voice and influence to this cause.