Meet Ghana’s Youngest Female Mortician Working with Dead Bodies

In a profession often viewed with fear, stigma, and deep cultural taboo, one young woman in Ghana is changing the narrative with courage, passion, and professionalism. Meet Winifred Ewurabena Quartey, Ghana’s youngest known female mortician, who has boldly stepped into a male-dominated industry—working daily with the deceased and giving dignity to death.
Breaking Barriers at a Young Age
At just 24 years old, Winifred has taken on a role that many shy away from. As the head of her family’s funeral services business in Agona Swedru and Gomoa Oguoa in the Central Region, she oversees embalming, body preservation, hearse transportation, and funeral arrangements. It’s a job that demands both emotional strength and technical skill—and Winifred handles it with grace and professionalism.
“This is not just a job to me. It’s a calling,” she has said in interviews. “I see every deceased person as someone who deserves respect. I treat them like they are only asleep.”
A Journey Rooted in Family and Passion
Winifred’s journey into the mortuary profession was inspired by her late father, who was also a funeral services operator. After his passing, she took it upon herself to continue the legacy. Despite the emotional toll and the social stigma associated with the work, she found purpose in serving grieving families and restoring dignity to the dead.
Her typical day involves carefully handling corpses, preparing them for final rites, and sometimes driving the hearse to burial grounds. While some may find this disturbing, Winifred sees it as a sacred responsibility.
Challenging Stereotypes and Gender Bias
As a young woman in a field dominated by men, Winifred has faced her share of prejudice. “Many people belittle me because of my gender,” she admits. “Some even question if I’m mentally strong enough for this work. But I’ve learned to ignore the noise and stay focused.”
Her presence in the industry is slowly shifting perceptions—not just about gender roles, but also about the importance of compassion, care, and professionalism in funeral work. Her clients often commend her gentle approach and meticulous attention to detail.
Changing the Face of Death Care in Ghana
Winifred is part of a growing number of Ghanaian women entering the mortuary profession. They bring not only technical expertise but also a deep sense of empathy and spiritual understanding. In many ways, she’s become a role model for young women interested in exploring unconventional careers.
Beyond her technical duties, Winifred also plays a vital role in comforting grieving families, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that final farewells are carried out with dignity. Her work reflects a deep respect for cultural values while embracing modern professionalism.
Looking Ahead
Winifred dreams of expanding her funeral business and even setting up a training center for aspiring morticians, especially young women. Her goal is to demystify the industry and encourage others to see it as a vital, honorable service.
“In life and in death, everyone deserves dignity,” she says. “And I’m here to make sure they get it.”
Winifred Ewurabena Quartey is not just Ghana’s youngest female mortician
Source: http://thepressradio.com