The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana had initially planned to join the strike action declared by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) over poor working conditions.
However, the Association has reversed its decision due to the potential negative impact on the health sector.
General Secretary Mr Richard Kofi Jordan stated that despite assurances, the conditions of service for mortuary workers remain unchanged.
He expressed concern that mortuary workers are underpaid despite the risks associated with their work.
Regarding the ongoing strike by the GRNMA, Mr Kofi Jordan advised the government to implement the Conditions of Service (COS) to enable the nurses to resume work.
He noted on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM that the strike has led to an increase in deaths in health facilities, which could soon overwhelm the mortuaries.
The Association decided not to join the strike after evaluating the potential challenges, citing the potential collapse of the health system.
Mr Kofi Jordan explained that assurances from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, including a scheduled meeting with the health minister, influenced their decision.
He acknowledged the necessity of the nurses’ strike while emphasising the critical role of mortuary workers in preserving deceased individuals and maintaining the health system.
“We had planned to join the nurses in their strike; however, after evaluating the challenges this action would pose, we rescinded our decision to strike. We saw that joining the strike would have collapsed our health system. So we decided not to have Ghanaians go through this coup d’état. Secondly, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission had intervened, assuring us that they would intervene on our behalf. The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission has personally assured us that he will intervene and has even issued us a letter scheduling a meeting with the health minister.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
