Running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman says if voted into power in the ensuing December polls, the NDC government will increase the maternity leave period from 12 weeks to 16 weeks.
Speaking at an event to mark International Youth Day, Madam Jane Opoku-Agyeman says this new development forms part of the numerous policies listed in the party’s manifesto which proves that it has the interest of Ghanaians at heart.
“I sympathize with young mothers, but you will be happy to know when our manifesto is launched that we have increased the maternity leave [period]. We have moved it from three months to four months fully paid maternity leave and we are also going to ensure that until the child is nine months, the woman truly has time,” she said
Reacting to a question on the NDC’s strategies to improve social support and care for vulnerable groups and women, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the NDC has proved that it cares more about Ghanaians and there are many initiatives and interventions which have been pursued by previous NDC governments.
“It was during the time of John Evans Atta Mills that Kotokuraba market was initiated, it was completed by John Mahama and there is a daycare in that place. It was during the time of John Mahama that the Kejetia market was initiated and completed, there is a daycare in that place. Who cares more about women?” she asked.
She added that with her at the highest level of decision making in government, more policies will be introduced to ensure inclusiveness and social justice.
She further indicated that she represents women’s interest and if the NDC is voted into power, decisions will be taken to advance the cause of women and the vulnerable in society.
Ghana’s labour law grants women a maternity leave period of at least 12 weeks in addition to her annual leave and during that period, she is entitled to her full remuneration and other benefits to which she is otherwise entitled. In extreme situations, two extra weeks are added to the 3 months.
The former Education Minister, also announced that the party is looking at introducing pensions and insurance scheme for seasonal workers like farmers and fishermen. “We have seasonal workers. We should think about them too. When it is the lean fishing season, what do the fishermen do? We should bring them in…. In our manifesto, we are talking about insurance for them. Making contributions to insurance and pensions schemes,” she said.
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I’m Deborah Aba Narkoah. I’m an avid reader, writer and public speaker.
