John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised to introduce a one-week paternity leave for men if elected in the upcoming December elections.

Speaking at the NDC Women’s Manifesto launch in Kumasi on Monday, Mahama also announced plans to extend maternity leave from three months to four months, allowing women more time to care for their newborns.

Mahama explained that the initiative is aimed at ensuring newborns receive adequate care in their early stages of development, highlighting the importance of both parents being involved in childcare.

However, he clarified that the paternity leave would only apply to legally married men, who would need to provide proof of their marital status to qualify for the benefit.

He stated, “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.”