In response to the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana’s announcement of an impending nationwide strike from November 29, 2023, Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has expressed his understanding and concern for the challenges faced by mortuary workers.
In a tweet, Sarkodie emphasized the difficulties experienced by mortuary employees, characterizing their line of work as one of the hardest, riskiest, and most underappreciated.
He emphasized the significance of resolving their complaints and fighting for equitable pay, appropriate tools, and a comfortable working atmosphere.
This will affect us heavy … Yes I wouldn’t want a strike especially from “them” but I understand… this is one of the underrated / underpaid jobs yet one of the hardest and riskiest jobs. They deserve the right salary , equipment and environment to work effectively … We can… https://t.co/BZ1M2u8htV
— Sarkodie (@sarkodie) November 24, 2023
The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana has long expressed concerns about the poor working conditions, unequal pay, and lack of resources in the mortuary industry.
The association has sent letters of intent to take industrial action to the following ministries: National Security, Finance, Employment and Labor Relations, Health, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and National Labour Commission.
In a letter dated Monday, November 20, and signed by its General Secretary, Richard Kofi Jordan, MOWAG declared that “all avenues to resolve our grievances have proven futile,” which is why they have decided to lay down their tools. The letter was addressed to the institutions mentioned above.
MOWAG further stated that the decision was made at a general meeting of its members and complies with the constitution’s Section 159 of Act 651(2003).
The letter is thought to be about bad service conditions, even if it did not address all of MOWAG’s unsolved complaints, for which it has chosen to go on an indefinite strike.
In Ghana, one of the lowest paid job categories is mortuary laborers.
