Francis Xavier Sosu, Member of Parliament for Madina, has expressed scepticism about the government’s commitment to enacting paternity and extending maternity leave legislation.
During his mid-year budget presentation on July 23, Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adam announced that the government had drafted a Labour Bill 2024 to enhance labour administration.
The proposed bill includes provisions for five days of paternity leave for male workers within three months of their partner’s childbirth or following the adoption of a child under one-year-old. It also proposes an additional two weeks to the current three-month maternity leave.
Despite these announcements, MP Sosu, advocating for a separate bill on paternity and extended maternity leave, questioned the government’s sincerity. He characterized the government’s actions as political posturing rather than a genuine commitment to legislative change.
“The Bill I introduced on extending maternity leave and introducing paternity leave is at an advanced stage.
The final drafts are ready and moving towards being gazetted for the first reading and committee referral,” Sosu said. “If Parliament gives these bills proper attention, they should pass before the end of this session.”
Sosu further criticized the government for not supporting his existing bill. “If the government truly respects the people of Ghana, it should support my bill and ensure its passage,” he argued. “Announcements made with little time left in office do not demonstrate genuine commitment or urgency.”
Sosu’s comments reflect broader concerns about the effectiveness and sincerity of proposed legislative reforms in Ghana as the government approaches the end of its term.
