Employers’ Association proposes extension of maternity leave by 2 weeks

The Ghana Employers' Association has proposed an extension of the country's maternity leave from the current 12 weeks to 14 weeks.

The call follows moves from various stake holders to have the leave period extended to enable women undertake exclusive breastfeeding as well as recover before resuming work.

Speaking to Citi Business News on the matter, the CEO of the Ghana Employers Association, Alex Frempong said an extended time period should be effected to allow women fully regain their strength.

“I think that the proposed increase of the maternity leave from the current 12 to 14 weeks is something that the Ghana Employers Association supports, women need more time especially after birth to take care of their babies. After all, that's the only avenue for ensuring that human welfare goes on; so to that extent, it should be extended.”

“Again by recreation, we get the next generation of workers so we support an extension of the current period,” Mr. Frempong added.

The call for an extension has however been met with opposition from some women in business who believe the current leave period is long enough for nursing mothers to deal with.

They with further argue that an extension would have a negative effect on production at work.

Dr. Nana Yaa Owusu Prempeh is one of the female entrepreneurs who believe extending the leave time will only lead to losses in the business sector.

“I am a mother of four, I have done it, when I was pregnant I was going to work and school at the same time, I'm not here to condemn women because I believe in women but the fact that you are a woman and you get pregnant does not mean you have come to the end of the world and we should clap for you but we are trying to build an economy which should sustain itself.”

Alex Frempong spoke to Citi Business News at the sidelines of the 3rd Women in HR Conference.

The conference seeks to bring together women in various sectors of the economy on how to improve productivity at in their respective jobs.

The GEA in 2015 initiated the Women in HR Conference in acknowledgment of the contribution of women in the field of HR and beyond.

The previous editions brought together top female HR practitioners from various sectors of the economy, including banking, manufacturing, commercial agriculture, educational institutions, mining companies, petroleum and power, industries etc. to share ideas, experiences and the best practices aimed at enhancing their career prospects, optimizing their professional potential, advancement in the corporate world and improve productivity at their various work places.

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By: Anita Arthur/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana