Maternity and paternity leave in Ghana: 12 weeks, 5 days, and your rights

How long is maternity leave in Ghana?

Section 57 says a woman worker who shows a medical certificate from a doctor or midwife, giving her expected date, is entitled to at least 12 weeks. That's a floor, so your contract can give you more but not less.

• At least 12 weeks of maternity leave, section 57(1).
• Annual leave comes in addition, section 57(1).
• At least two more weeks if the birth is abnormal or you have two or more babies, section 57(3).
• More leave if a doctor certifies an illness caused by the pregnancy or the birth, section 57(4) and (5).

The public service policy lists maternity leave as 12 weeks too. If you see 14 weeks or more online, check where it comes from. A Labour Bill 2026 was still under review on 30 June 2026, and it isn't law, so a longer figure is at most a proposal.

Is maternity leave paid in full?

Yes. Section 57(2) says you're entitled to your full pay and other benefits while you're on maternity leave. We found no separate maternity payment in SSNIT's FAQs, so expect it through your employer's payroll.

Pregnancy and birth also don't eat into your annual leave. Section 22 says pregnancy and confinement don't affect your leave entitlement. So on the Act's minimum of 15 working days, you could add three weeks of annual leave to your 12 weeks.

What about breastfeeding when I go back?

A nursing mother may stop work for an hour during working hours to nurse her baby, and that hour is paid as working time. The Act defines a nursing mother as a woman nursing a child for up to one year. It doesn't say how the hour is arranged, so agree it with your supervisor and put it in writing.

Can I be dismissed for being pregnant?

No. An employer can't dismiss you because of your absence on maternity leave, under section 57(8). Section 63(2)(e) also makes it unfair to end your job because of pregnancy or maternity absence.

If you're pregnant or have a child under eight months, an employer also can't assign you overtime without your consent, and a pregnant worker can't be put on night work between 10pm and 7am without hers, under section 55. A written complaint goes to the National Labour Commission.

One limit to know: the unfair termination part of the Act doesn't cover fixed-term contracts, staff on probation or casual workers, under section 66. Section 57 itself has no such exception, so read your contract and get advice if you're in one of those groups.

How many days is paternity leave?

The Labour Act has none. The Public Services Commission's note says five days for public servants, paid, once you've applied with evidence of the birth. In a private job, it's up to your contract or your employer's policy, so ask HR before the baby comes. When you compare offers, it's worth asking about.

• Compare two job offers

What should I do before going on leave?

• Get a medical certificate with your expected date, and give a copy to HR. Keep one for yourself.
• Tell your employer in writing when you plan to start your leave and whether you'll add annual leave.
• Check that your pay, allowances and SSNIT continue, and look at your first payslip on leave.
• If you work for a public body, ask HR to confirm the terms of your own institution. The PSC policy applies across the public service, but its front page has no date.

A payslip during leave should look like your usual one. The calculator can help you check the take-home.

• PAYE calculator: your net salary after SSNIT and tax

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