Question

Veronica and her husband Anthony work for the same company, SARVERO Company Limited in Kumasi. Vero has just been appointed as the operations manager for SRVERO Company Limited. Veronica is worried about how her employer’s would receive the news of her pregnancy. SARVERO Company Limited does not grant maternity leave to its female employees. Vero is 6 months pregnant. SARVERO Company Limited has formally informed Veronica of her transfer from Kumasi to Tamale. Anthony asked his employer if he would be able to take paternity leave when his child is born but was told that he is not entitled to paternity leave. Advise Veronica as to her rights with regards to:

1. Maternity leave [5 marks]
2. Additional Maternity leave [5 marks]
3. Transfer from Kumasi to Tamale [5 marks]
4. Advise Anthony if he is entitled to paternity leave. [5 marks]

Answer 1

a. As per Ghana Labour Act 2003, Vero is entitled for the 12 weeks of paid maternity leave and she can demand for the same.

b. The additional material leave of 2 week can be avialed in case of any complication arising due to the pregnancy like any illness, twin birth, c-section birth etc which need additional period to recover in normal healthy status.

c. The transfer can also be put on hold during the maternity period as this time it would not be advisible to travel or staying away from the primary care taker who is her husband in this case.

d. Ghana labour act is silent on paternity leave and as of now there are only discussion to pass the legislation for mandatory paternity leave, therefore paternity leave can not be considered as right.