Dutch cemetery in Elmina

Entrance gate with Dutch inscription: "O weldadige moeder, ontvang uwe kinderen neither"

The Dutch cemetery in Elmina was established in 1806 in the city of Elmina in what is now Ghana on the instructions of JP Hoogenboom, governor of the Dutch Gold Coast at that time to which Elmina belonged. Until then, the Dutch had buried their dead inside or immediately outside the largest fortress in the city, now known as St. George's Castle or Elmina Castle . At the beginning of the 19th century there was hardly any space left there, so the decision was made to build the so-called "Garden of Elmina" ("de Tuin" '), a green area north of the Benya lagoon, which until then had been used for growing vegetables had been turned into a cemetery. Governor Hoogenboom was one of the first to be buried there after he was murdered in an altercation with Elmina citizens.

The cemetery at a glance

The cemetery is surrounded by a low wall, at the entrance gate is the Dutch inscription: "O weldadige moeder, ontvang uwe kinderen neither" ("Oh benevolent mother receive your children again"). In the center of the cemetery is a large tomb crowned by an obelisk , in which the most important people, including Governor Hoogenboom, are buried. Other prominent people who found their final resting place there are Governor Anthony van der Eb , Carel Hendrik Bartels , RP Baffour , Chief Kweku Andoh and Nana Kobena Isyan, King of Elmina.

renovation

The cemetery was renovated in 2006 as part of the so-called "Elmina 2015 Strategy". The renovation was supported by the Dutch embassy . Among other things, the above-mentioned inscription at the entrance gate was restored. A plaque unveiled on July 24, 2006 by the Dutch Ambassador to Ghana, Arie van der Wiel and Komenda / Edina / Eguafo / Abirem District Chief Executive George Frank Asmah, commemorates this event.

gallery

Grave of Carel Hendrik Bartels
Statue of Fr. Auguste Moreau
Plaque on the tomb in memory of Governor Hoogenboom (misspelled) and Lieutenant Joost
Entrance gate before renovation
The great tomb with obelisk
Exterior view (before renovation)