The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has confirmed that it will initiate a nationwide strike on Thursday, November 28, 2024, due to the government's failure to address their ongoing grievances.

The decision follows a series of unresolved issues that led to the temporary suspension of a previous strike in September 2024, aimed at fostering dialogue. MOWAG’s latest action highlights the frustration felt by its members, accusing relevant authorities of inaction and a lack of commitment to resolving the crisis.

“Despite our efforts to reach a mutually acceptable resolution, the issues that led to the initial strike remain unresolved. We have been left with no choice but to take this decision to protect the interest of our members,” MOWAG’s statement emphasized.

Starting November 28, mortuary workers across both public and private sectors will cease operations indefinitely. This move is expected to have significant consequences for mortuary services, disrupting funeral arrangements and affecting families who rely on timely funeral services.

The association has long pointed to poor working conditions, low wages, and inadequate resources as key factors contributing to their decision. MOWAG argues that these challenges not only jeopardize the health and safety of workers but also compromise the quality of mortuary services across the country.

The strike poses a serious challenge to funeral celebrations, with potential delays in processing bodies, which could impact public health and grieving families.

Despite the impending strike, MOWAG’s leadership remains open to negotiations. “We hope that even at this late stage, we can still resolve our differences through open and productive discussions,” the statement concluded, urging authorities to act swiftly to avert further disruption.