Ambassador Onanuga Proposes Transformation of Palm Grove Cemetery into National Memorial Site

Monrovia, Liberia: Christopher Hayes Onanuga, Liberia’s Ambassador for Tourism, has announced plans to transform the Palm Grove Cemetery, commonly known as Center Street Graveyard, into a national memorial site. During a recent interview via WhatsApp, Onanuga expressed concern about the current state of the cemetery, where many graves are broken and bodies are reportedly missing.

Onanuga underscored the need for citizens to consider relocating the remains of their loved ones, as the site is slated for redevelopment aimed at enhancing Liberia's tourism sector. “People should be worried right now about how to remove their loved ones’ remains from there,” he stated.

“Look I think people should be worry right now how to go to center street grave yard and remove their love ones remains from there because we are going to turn the entire Palm Growth Cemetery commonly known as Center street grave yard into a momentum site or a national memorial site” Onanuga Said during the interview.

President Boakai, Mcc Boss John Siafa, and others at Palm Grove Cementry March  2024 

Located near downtown Monrovia, the Palm Grove Cemetery has historical significance, having served as the national cemetery during the Tolbert administration. It became a focal point for Decoration Day, a tradition that continued even after former President William R. Tolbert Jr. was murdered in a coup in 1980 and buried there. Over the years, the cemetery has faced numerous challenges, including threats of closure due to its deteriorating condition and reports of unsafe burials.

In 1982, municipal authorities raised concerns about the cemetery being used as a waste dump and requested permission to relocate it. Despite these issues, the cemetery remains in its original location, with the current administration under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai looking to revitalize the site.

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration had also proposed relocating the cemetery, but that decision was stalled by the Senate, largely due to the intervention of Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor. In 2016, the cemetery faced potential demolition by a Special Presidential Task Force, which was halted following Madam Taylor's appeal to the Senate, citing the cemetery’s importance as the final resting place for distinguished citizens and ordinary individuals alike.

Palm Grove Cemetery in Central monrovia center street.(Droone Shoot)

As plans move forward to establish Palm Grove Cemetery as a national memorial site, Onanuga’s vision highlights the need for greater care and respect for Liberia’s historical landmarks.