The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has laid down its tools in demand of better condition of service and payment of arrears.

The association began its intended indefinite strike today, Wednesday, 29 November 2023, despite assurances from government to settle the arrears.

Leadership of the association on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, met with the Ministry of Health in an effort to stop the strike but the meeting ended inconclusively with the General Secretary of the association, Richard Kofi Jordan, insisting members will embark on the strike despite the assurance from the Ministry of Health.

Speaking on Class 91.3 FM’s 12Live, the station’s Central Regional Correspondent, Samuel Nana Tawiah, reported that mortuary workers in the region already had begun their intended strike.

Meanwhile, those in the Volta Region are still at work awaiting the outcome of a scheduled meeting between the association and the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The leadership of MOWAG had issued a stern warning to the public, cautioning them against dying until the government settles outstanding dues for its members. 

MOWAG said deceased individuals may not receive proper preservation if the government failed to fulfil its financial obligations to the association.

Mr Richard Kofi Jordan, the General Secretary of MOWAG, delivered this warning during an interview on the Ghana Yensom Morning Show hosted by Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman on Accra 100.5 FM on Friday, November 24, 2023. 

In response to the unresolved issues and grievances, MOWAG announced an indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. 

The association conveyed its decision to strike in a letter addressed to various government ministries and commissions, stating that all attempts to resolve their concerns had proven futile.

MOWAG justified the strike as an exercise of their constitutional rights.