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The discussions on constitutional leaves in Ghana sparked after the former president and flag-bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and his running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman in their manifesto launch made known that the next NDC administration if voted into power will increase maternity leave from three (3) months to four (4) months and also paternity leave to 7 days.
Before that, a majority of Ghanaians were unaware if paternity leave even existed in Ghana for our public servants.
However, the are about 15 types of leaves in Ghana. A public servant may for one reason or another be absent from the office for a period of time. When this happens, another public servant shall be assigned to take over the duties of that public servant temporarily.
Ghana’s constitution defines leave as a vital human resource management mechanisms that ensures that the promotion of a healthy and productive workforce and organisational development. In accordance with the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651), all public servants are entitled to leave and the following are the types of Leave and their duration;
Type of Leave – Duration
(1) Annual leave ( Management level) – 36 working days
(2) Annual leave (Senior Level) – 28 working days
(3) Annual Leave (Junior Level) – 21 working days
(4) Sick leave ( full pay) – one year (maximum)
(5) Sick Leave (half pay) – One year (maximum)
(6) Study leave (with pay) – Course duration as specified in the admission letter
(7) Study Leave (without pay) – course duration as specified in the admission letter
(8) Maternity Leave – 12 weeks i.e. 3 months
(9) Paternity Leave – 5 working days
(10) Compassionate or Casual Leave – 10 working days
(11) Examination leave – 10 working days
(12) Sports Leave – 5 working days
(13) Leave of Absence – 2 years maximum ( may be extended in special circumstances)
(14) Embarkation and Disembarkation leave – 2 working days (for a period of absence up to 6 months)
(15) Embarkation and Disembarkation leave – 10 working days (for a period of absence above 6 months)
It is again important to note that a public servant is is entitled to paid annual leave. Annual leave must be earned and therefore calculated from the date a public servant starts work and accrues for twelve (12) months.
By: Nana Gyasi | Radio 1 | Ghana
