Monrovia, Liberia – Intricate traditional ceremonies were performed in honor of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a prominent and contentious figure in Liberia’s history, as his remains were moved through significant Nimba County places of interest. Immersed in the Dan people’s traditional history, the processional voyage emphasized his legacy as a respected son of Nimba and a political leader.
Traditional battle dances and cultural customs, which are only performed to commemorate great commanders or warriors, were included into the burial ceremonies. While singing and making symbolic gestures, men dressed in warrior garb typical of the old world wielded spears and ceremonial weapons.
When a warrior dies, the Dan custom dictates that a family member must lead the ceremonial parade. An elder from Karnplay clarified: Neither visitors nor spectators are harmed by this. This ensures that the deceased is buried in a manner consistent with his cultural customs. These customs provided a respectful transition for the deceased by acting as a link between the spiritual and material worlds.
The customary procession was accompanied by scores of elders costumed as warriors as the remains of Senator Johnson arrived in Nimba County. They created a serious and reverent atmosphere by carrying spears and performing ceremonial movements.
Residents from all around the county were able to pay their last respects as the home-going rites got underway with a journey of the senator’s remains through important towns and villages. Moses Gonwoe, a sympathizer, explained that this special feature of the burial was intended “to ensure those far from Ganta can view his remains one last time.”
Following the body’s arrival from Monrovia, the tour began in Ganta on January 15, 2025, drawing locals from nearby settlements for a wake-keeping night. The body was subsequently taken to Sanniquellie the next day, where it was left for four hours in the Administrative Building. Residents in neighboring areas, such as Yarmin and Yarpea, came together to honor him.
In order to let people in Gbehlay-Geh District to take part in the goodbye ceremonies, the remains were subsequently transported to Karnplay for another time of wake-keeping. The remains will be transported to Bahn on Friday, January 17, where Buu-Yao District locals will pay their last respects. For its last night of wake-keeping, the procession will travel to Saclepea later that evening, allowing the people of Tappita, Yarwin Mehnsonon, and Gbei-Dorlu to pay their respects.
The remains will be brought back to Ganta on Saturday, January 18, for a state funeral at Prince Y. Johnson Polytechnic University. It will then be buried nearby according to the protocol. People in cities and villages lined the roads as the body passed through Nimba to pay their respects and get a sight of the hearse. From many areas of life, tributes flooded in, emphasizing Johnson’s diverse legacy.
