The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has issued a strong appeal to government authorities, demanding the immediate payment of nine-month salary allowance arrears owed to its members. The group has warned that patience is running out and an escalation in action may be imminent if their demands are not addressed.
In a high-level closed-door meeting with Dr. Smith Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), MOWAG tabled a list of grievances affecting their members across the country. These include:
Nine-month unpaid 50% salary allowance for frontline health workers
Delayed recruitment of 500 new mortuary workers despite earlier government approval
Non-payment of uniform maintenance allowances (GH₵1,000 annual support)
Lack of adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Unfulfilled COVID-19 risk allowance, initially promised under the previous administration
Low Morale and Mounting Pressure
Speaking on behalf of the association, MOWAG General Secretary Richard Kofi Jordan expressed deep frustration over what he described as “neglect and unfair treatment” of mortuary workers.
“We are appealing to the government through the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to take immediate steps. Our members are losing patience, and morale is low. We cannot continue to serve under such conditions,” Mr. Jordan said.
He emphasized that despite the critical role mortuary workers play in the health system — especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — their welfare has been ignored for too long.
Dr. Smith Graham acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and assured the delegation of the Commission’s willingness to act swiftly.
“We take these grievances seriously,” he said. “We will liaise with the relevant ministries and ensure that these matters are resolved promptly and fairly.”
However, he also noted that resolving financial matters involving multiple ministries and agencies could take time, urging MOWAG to continue engaging through dialogue.
Mortuary workers have long been one of the most overlooked segments of Ghana’s healthcare workforce. They handle some of the most difficult and high-risk duties — from managing deceased COVID-19 patients to maintaining hygienic conditions in morgues — often with little public recognition or institutional support.
The association says that in addition to financial compensation, the lack of protective gear puts its members at risk of infections, including tuberculosis and other airborne diseases.
While the Association has not yet declared a strike, leaders have hinted that if no positive response is received within a reasonable timeframe, they may consider industrial action. Such a move could significantly impact mortuary services and funeral arrangements across the country.
“We are ready to work, but we also demand respect and fair treatment. This situation must be resolved, or we will be forced to act,” Mr. Jordan added.
As the government faces increasing labour demands across sectors, resolving the mortuary workers’ grievances is shaping up to be another critical test of its commitment to frontline workers.