I will push for longer parental leave — Gender Minister-designate

President John Dramani Mahama’s nominee for Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Naa Momo Lartey, says she’s committed to advocating for extended maternity leave policies in Ghana.

During her vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, she outlined her vision for improving parental leave to benefit mothers, fathers, and children.

In her address, Naa Momo Lartey stressed the significance of longer maternity leave, emphasizing its role in promoting the well-being of both mothers and their newborns.

She asked employers to consider extending the current three-month maternity leave to six months, where feasible.

“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 proposed the idea of extending parental leave to fathers to ensure equitable caregiving responsibilities and to strengthen family bonds during the critical early months of a child’s life.

“This progressive approach aligns with modern family dynamics and promotes gender equity in caregiving roles,” she added.

Naa Momo Lartey pledged to work closely with gender advocates, civil society organizations (CSOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to advance this initiative. She recognized the efforts of those who have been championing parental leave reforms and promised to lend her influence to their cause.

“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.