Agnes Naa Momo Lartey Calls for Six-Month Maternity Leave for Women's Recovery and Baby Bonding

During her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 22, 2025, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Ministerial Nominee for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, made a compelling case for extending maternity leave in Ghana. Dr. Lartey highlighted the importance of revising the current maternity leave policy to better support women’s health, recovery, and family bonding after childbirth.

Currently, Ghana provides a three-month maternity leave for mothers, with the same leave duration applicable to fathers. Dr. Lartey, however, proposed an extension of maternity leave from three to six months, arguing that the current period is insufficient for mothers to properly heal and bond with their newborns. She emphasized that a six-month leave would not only allow mothers the time needed for physical recovery after childbirth but also enable them to establish a strong, nurturing connection with their infants during their early development stages. “It is essential for women to have an extended leave period, not only to care for the children but also to properly heal,” Dr. Lartey stated.

Her proposal is rooted in the understanding that the postpartum period is critical for both the physical and emotional well-being of mothers. The extended leave would allow them to manage the demands of recovery, breastfeed, and develop a stable foundation for their children’s early development. Dr. Lartey’s call for longer maternity leave also acknowledges the significant impact that these early months have on the long-term health outcomes for both mother and child.

In addition to advocating for longer maternity leave, Dr. Lartey also stressed the importance of paternity leave. She argued that in today’s evolving family dynamics, both parents must share the responsibilities of childcare. By extending parental leave to fathers, both parents would have sufficient time to bond with their newborns, share caregiving duties, and contribute to the child’s overall development. This, she pointed out, is in alignment with gender equity principles and would foster a more balanced approach to family responsibilities.

Dr. Lartey underscored that her proposal for extended maternity and paternity leave was not only an issue of women’s health but also one of social equity. The traditional view that caregiving is primarily a woman’s responsibility is outdated, and providing equal parental leave for both mothers and fathers would help shift this perception. It would promote a more inclusive society, where both parents are seen as equally responsible for the welfare and upbringing of their children.

To bring these changes to fruition, Dr. Lartey expressed her dedication to working closely with various stakeholders. She committed to collaborating with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), gender advocates, and other relevant groups to ensure that the policy is thoroughly reviewed and that the best course of action is pursued. “I will sit with all stakeholders, including those deeply involved in gender and family issues, to engage in meaningful discussions and push for what is best for our society,” she said.

The proposal has already garnered widespread support from gender advocates and various organizations that focus on family and women’s rights. Many believe that extending maternity leave to six months would represent a progressive step forward for Ghana, aligning the country with global standards that recognize the importance of maternal and paternal involvement in the early stages of a child’s life.

Dr. Lartey’s proposal is a clear reflection of her commitment to improving the lives of women, children, and families in Ghana. By advocating for these critical policy changes, she is addressing longstanding issues related to gender equality, health, and family dynamics. Her vision is one that promotes the well-being of mothers and children while encouraging a more inclusive approach to caregiving. If adopted, these changes would not only improve the quality of life for many families but would also position Ghana as a leader in promoting gender equality and family welfare in the region.

As the discussion moves forward, Dr. Lartey’s advocacy for longer maternity leave serves as a crucial step in rethinking how society supports its families and ensures the well-being of its citizens.