Mortuary workers alarmed by rise in deaths amid nurses’ strike

The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has raised alarm over a sudden increase in the number of dead bodies being sent to mortuaries across the country. This worrying trend follows the ongoing nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

The strike began after failed talks with the government, which had asked for a delay in implementing new conditions of service for nurses an agreement reached in 2024. The GRNMA has rejected this proposal and vowed not to return to work until the terms are honored.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen program, MOWAG’s General Secretary, Richard Kofi Jordan, described the current situation as “alarming.”

“Looking at the number of deaths compared to the past, the death toll has increased significantly. It’s not surprising because of the absence of nurses,” he said.

Mr. Jordan explained that mortuaries are under serious pressure as the number of deaths continues to rise. He pointed out that many of the bodies are coming from homes rather than hospitals.

“People are dying everywhere. Wherever there is a morgue, they are recording high deaths and we attribute this to the nurses not being at post,” he said. “Many people are not going to the hospital, and that’s why we are seeing more bodies being brought from homes.”

He stressed that the growing workload is affecting the well-being of mortuary staff.

“If it gets to a point where we can’t take it anymore, we’ll have no option but to refer families to the police station. It’s a serious issue that should never have gotten to this point it should have been prevented.”

Mr. Jordan urged the government and stakeholders to act immediately to resolve the crisis, warning that the situation is getting worse by the day.