The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced that the next NDC government will extend maternity leave from three months to four months, to allow women more time to take care of their newborns and also introduce a one-week paternity leave for men.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com, he made this known during the launch of the NDC Women’s Manifesto in Kumasi on Monday, September 30, 2024.

John Mahama explained that the extension of maternity leave is to ensure that newborns receive adequate care during the early stages of their lives, stressing the need for both parents to be involved in childcare.

Touching on the introduction of paternity leave, he clarified that it would only apply to legally married men.

“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.

“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.

JKB/ ADG

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