The Monarch of the Ashanti Kingdom, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has revealed that for the past 25 years, he has been a proud member in good standing of the Freemason fraternity in Ghana.
“25 years ago, I was initiated into Freemasonry. There is no doubt that in joining a society or club, one cannot help but wonder what benefits and restrictions await one.
“In the case of freemasonry, you are left to worryingly wonder more without knowing exactly what you are going to face and with no one telling you want you want to know”, the Asantehene disclosed over the weekend in Kumasi when Freemasons from far and wide gathered to honour him on two significant milestones: his 25th anniversaries on the Golden Stool and in Freemasonry.
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The Most Worshipful Bro Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana, continued: “Whatever doubts or reservations might have crossed my mind, all I can say after the 25 year period is that I have no regrets being a Freemason, experiencing what it enfolds and in fact what it means to be called a Freemason.
“Looking forward to the future, I have two hopes. First that the Grand Lodge would grow in stature in the coming year with dedicated brethren united in brotherly love proving relief to the needy and acting truthfully at all times. Second, It is my hope that the Grand Lodge would intensify efforts to reach beyond the present familiar areas of influence and reach as regions yet untouched by our activities”
The celebration took place at the Bro Otumfuo Sir Agyemang Prempeh II Masonic Hall on May 25, 2024.
The ceremony was attended by brethren from various grand lodges /G\, including Grand Lodge of Liberia, led by MWB Anthony W. Deline, United Grand Lodge of England, represented by Most Worshipful Bro Charles William Stanley-Pierre and Grand Master designate of the Grand Lodge in Nigeria, High Chief Osiobe Eric Okotie.
A larch section of Ghanaians continue to hold negative prejudices about Freemasonry; prejudices largely shaped by hearsay myths, uninformed opinions and bizarre superstitious beliefs.
Background on Freemasonry
Freemasonry, a global way of life, boasts over four million members worldwide, with Ghana hosting over 1000 Freemasons.
The Grand Lodge of Ghana, founded in 2009 to govern itself, took over from earlier ties with British Lodges such as the Grand Lodge of Ireland, Grand Lodge of Scotland, and United Grand Lodge of England.
Freemasonry’s presence in Ghana dates back to the 1800s, with Freemasons gathering in Lodges to enhance personal growth and conduct charitable endeavors benefiting communities.
These quiet acts of charity are very important to Freemasonry. They show how Freemasonry is dedicated to always getting better and helping others in society.
In 2019, the Grand Lodge of Ghana acknowledged concerns about how some people wrongly linked Freemasonry with occultism and evil practices. They explained that the main reason for being a Freemason is to help others and improve the world for everyone.
The Grand Master of the group, Most Worshipful Bro Naval Captain Kwadjo Adunkwa Butan said: “We are humans just like everybody else. We do not possess special powers or have secret gods we worship; and being a Freemason does not give money, power or fame.”
Another member of the group, the Chairman of the Grand Lodge Masonic Education Committee, Right Worshipful, Abraham Gyasi added: “The misconceptions you have been hearing, they are not true, we don’t kill other people, we don’t drink blood, we are not an occult organisation but an organisation of very decent and respectable men.”
