This weekend, Ghanaians relying on mortuaries to retrieve bodies of their loved ones for funerals might face significant trouble as the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) embarks on a nationwide strike.
The strike, which began on Thursday, November 28, 2024, has thrown funeral plans into disarray, with grieving families unable to access public mortuaries, forcing many to postpone scheduled ceremonies.
Traditionally, weekends in Ghana are a hive of activity for funerals, a deeply rooted cultural practice. However, the ongoing strike has left many families stranded, unable to retrieve bodies for burial. For the affected, this means not only disrupted plans but also heightened emotional stress as the closure is delayed.
While the strike creates chaos for many, private morgues are emerging as the unexpected winners. With public facilities out of reach, families are turning to private mortuaries for assistance, albeit at higher costs. This shift could create a surge in demand for private facilities, offering them a significant business opportunity during a time of widespread disruption.
MOWAG’s grievances include poor working conditions, low salaries, and inadequate resources, issues they argue have been ignored for too long.
A similar strike in September was suspended to allow for negotiations, but with no meaningful progress, the workers have resumed their action, leaving bereaved families and funeral-related businesses struggling to adapt.
The strike also highlights the broader economic impact of disrupted funeral services. Funerals in Ghana support an entire ecosystem of businesses, including caterers, decorators, printers, and transport providers. With many funerals now postponed, these vendors face cancelled contracts and financial losses.
For now, visiting a public mortuary this weekend might leave you in trouble, but for those who can afford it, private morgues are stepping in to fill the gap.
