The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has called on the government to urgently settle nine months of unpaid allowance arrears for frontline health workers. The Association warned that patience is wearing thin among its members, who are grappling with low morale and mounting frustration.
In a closed-door meeting with Dr. Smith Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), MOWAG highlighted the critical need for immediate intervention. The unpaid allowances, which constitute 50 percent of basic salaries, were promised to frontline health workers for their essential roles during the pandemic.
“We are appealing to the government to fulfill its commitments,” said Richard Kofi Jordan, MOWAG’s General Secretary. “Mortuary workers play an indispensable role in the healthcare system, yet they are continually overlooked. Our members cannot continue to work under such dire conditions.”
MOWAG also reminded the government of its pledge to recruit 500 new mortuary workers to alleviate the strain on the current workforce. Additional demands included allowances for uniform washing and cleaning, a GH₵1,000 annual payment per worker, adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the long-overdue COVID-19 risk allowance promised by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Graham acknowledged the urgency of the concerns and pledged to advocate for swift resolutions. “We understand the gravity of these grievances and are committed to working with the appropriate ministries to address them,” he assured the Association.
The meeting underscores growing unrest among mortuary workers, who say their essential contributions to Ghana’s healthcare system have gone undervalued. Without prompt government action, the situation could escalate, potentially disrupting critical services across the country.
