Mortuary Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Poor Working Conditions

Accra, Ghana – Mortuary workers under the umbrella of the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) have given the government a final ultimatum to address their longstanding grievances or face a nationwide shutdown of mortuary services.

In a statement released earlier this week, the association decried the “inhumane and degrading conditions” under which they are forced to work, citing inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), delayed salary payments, poor infrastructure, and low risk allowances as their major concerns.

According to MOWAG, several petitions and negotiations with the Ministry of Health have yielded no substantial progress, leaving workers demoralized and exposed to serious health risks. “We handle infectious bodies without proper gear. We work long hours with little rest and no insurance coverage,” said a senior mortuary attendant at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, who wished to remain anonymous.

Potential Impact

Should the strike go ahead, hospitals and funeral homes across the country will face severe disruptions, particularly in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Families waiting to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones for burial may also experience delays, and healthcare facilities may struggle with the storage of corpses.

Healthcare experts and civil society organizations are urging the government to engage in immediate dialogue with MOWAG to avoid what could become a public health crisis.

Government Response

As of the time of this report, the Ministry of Health has acknowledged receipt of MOWAG’s demands but is yet to issue an official response. Inside sources say a stakeholder meeting is expected in the coming days.

The mortuary workers have given authorities a two-week deadline to resolve the issues or face an indefinite strike.

Conclusion

This latest development sheds light on the neglected yet crucial role mortuary workers play in the health sector. As the country grapples with broader healthcare challenges, resolving the concerns of these frontline workers is essential to maintaining the dignity of the deceased and the safety of the living.