The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has announced plans to initiate an indefinite nationwide strike by the end of November or in the first week of December 2024. T
his decision follows a series of unsuccessful attempts to address their longstanding grievances with relevant authorities.
In a media briefing, MOWAG Secretary Richard Kofi Jordan articulated the challenges faced by mortuary workers, highlighting that previous discussions aimed at improving their working conditions have not yielded any significant results.
Despite our continuous efforts to engage in dialogue, we find ourselves at a stalemate, with our concerns largely ignored,” Jordan stated.
The association has consistently raised alarms about the harsh conditions under which they operate, which include inadequate protective equipment, long working hours, and insufficient compensation. Mortuary workers often deal with emotionally taxing situations, yet their demands for better safety measures and fair pay have not been met.
Jordan emphasized that the strike is a last resort, aimed at drawing attention to the plight of mortuary workers across the nation. “We are committed to our work, but we can no longer overlook the lack of support and recognition for our contributions to the healthcare system,” he said.
The impending strike is likely to disrupt services in mortuaries across the country, raising concerns about the impact on families needing these essential services. Community leaders and stakeholders are now calling for immediate intervention from the government to avert the strike and facilitate a resolution to the workers’ grievances.
As the deadline approaches, MOWAG urges the government and relevant bodies to engage constructively to ensure that the rights and welfare of mortuary workers are prioritized, thereby preventing any disruption of services during this critical period.
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Story by: Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #Ahotoronline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com
