Ghana’s Mortuary Workers Association (MOWAG) has declared an indefinite strike starting September 26, 2024, due to unresolved issues including poor working conditions and unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2020.
The strike comes after multiple unsuccessful attempts to negotiate with the government.
Key grievances include a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), putting workers at high risk while handling deceased bodies, and the non-payment of salaries for four years.
Additionally, unfulfilled promises regarding financial clearances for new staff have significantly increased workloads for current employees.
MOWAG’s General Secretary, Richard Kofi Jordan, has stressed the critical importance of PPE, especially amid ongoing health risks posed by infectious diseases. The lack of proper equipment has already contributed to the deaths of 16 mortuary workers this year, highlighting the dire conditions.
Despite numerous meetings with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the government has yet to take concrete action, prompting MOWAG to move forward with the strike. The association is not seeking further negotiations but demands immediate solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of its members.
The impending strike is expected to severely disrupt mortuary services across the country, affecting grieving families and the broader healthcare system. This situation underscores the urgent need for the government to prioritize healthcare workers’ rights and address long-standing grievances within the system.
As the strike looms, many in the healthcare sector are paying close attention, recognizing the broader implications for Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
MOWAG has called on all mortuary workers to suspend operations until their demands are fully met.
