The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has called on the government to deliver on its promise to improve their working conditions, arguing that with the economy now in a better state, there is no justification for further delay.
According to the association, the underlying issues that previously triggered industrial action remain unaddressed. Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, MOWAG President, Mr Richard Jordan, stated that workers have only suspended strikes due to assurances from the government, warning that a fresh wave of action is imminent as those promises have failed to materialise.
The association has repeatedly highlighted severe challenges, including poor working conditions, inadequate salaries, and a lack of essential operational resources—factors it says undermine both member welfare and the quality of mortuary services nationwide.
“Nothing has changed. Our concerns have not been addressed. We are the ones who have decided to relax. We decided to vote against the previous government hoping that things would have changed, but nothing has changed. We have moved in and out of the National Labour Commission, but our concerns have not been addressed. The situation remains the same, and we are praying and hoping that we do not go back to where we were before with strikes,” Mr Jordan said.
He explained that the union deliberately exercised patience to allow the government time to navigate recent economic headwinds, particularly during Ghana’s program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, with official reports pointing to economic recovery, workers expect immediate attention to their demands.
“We have given this government enough time. Since they assumed office, we have not embarked on any strike. We all agreed that the economy was in bad shape and Ghana was with the IMF. But according to the Finance Minister, the economy has improved, and we expect that our concerns would be addressed. If our conditions don’t change, you will hear from us,” he warned.
Mr Jordan further expressed frustration over critical resource shortages and the government’s persistent failure to recruit additional staff to relieve the current understaffed workforce.
“They have given financial clearance and recruited new nurses and midwives, but they have ignored us. We are a core part of the system, and yet we are not recognised. We don’t want to get to the point where we would have to strike every week. That is why we have given ourselves some time,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
