KOFORIDUA, E/R. Nicetvnews
The Institution of Lodges has held its 22nd Biennial Festival of Institutional Lodges in Koforidua, with members calling on the public to disregard misconceptions and myths that portray Freemasonry as an occultic society.
The festival, organized under the District Grand Lodge of Ghana, English Constitution, brought together Freemasons from across the country to deliberate on issues aimed at promoting the growth of the fraternity and advancing its charitable and humanitarian activities.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Festival Standing Committee, Worshipful Brother Ambassador Dr. William George Mensah Brandful, said this year’s festival focused on two key objectives: honouring a distinguished Freemason for his dedicated service to the fraternity and presenting a lecture on the future of Freemasonry over the next fifty years.
According to him, the 2026 festival was dedicated to Very Worshipful Brother Professor Emeritus Charles Odamtten Easmon, a renowned surgeon and respected member of the fraternity, in recognition of his outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to Freemasonry.
Worshipful Brother Brandful emphasized that allegations linking Freemasonry to occult practices, ritual activities, and human sacrifice are unfounded and should be disregarded.
He explained that Freemasonry is founded on the principles of integrity, moral uprightness, brotherhood, service, and charity. He added that the fraternity is intensifying efforts to educate the public on its values and mission in order to address longstanding misconceptions.
Delivering the festival lecture, Rt. Worshipful Brother Dr. Nii Adjetey Bonney Andrews described Freemasons as builders of character, relationships, families, communities, and nations.
He explained that the fraternity is guided by principles including the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the belief in the immortality of the soul. According to him, these values inspire members to pursue personal development while contributing positively to society.
Dr. Andrews stressed that charity remains at the heart of Freemasonry’s activities. He noted that beyond providing material support to vulnerable groups, members strive to offer hope and assistance to people facing difficult circumstances.
He cited regular blood donation exercises, educational support programmes, and other humanitarian initiatives undertaken by Freemasons as evidence of the organization’s commitment to national development and social welfare.
Also speaking at the event, the Gyasehene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Twumasi Darkwah, who attended as an observer, said the presentations and discussions at the festival had significantly changed his perception of Freemasonry.
According to him, the event helped clarify many misconceptions he previously held about the fraternity and provided deeper insight into its principles, values, and charitable activities.
Nana Twumasi Darkwah further acknowledged the contributions Freemasons have made toward community development and humanitarian causes over the years, describing their efforts as commendable.
He expressed interest in associating more closely with the fraternity and supporting initiatives that promote development and social progress within communities.
Nana Twumasi Darkwah, Gyasehene of New Juaben Traditional Area
The festival concluded with renewed calls for greater public awareness about Freemasonry and its role in promoting charity, fellowship, personal development, and community service.Suggested Headline:
Freemasons Challenge Misconceptions as 22nd Biennial Festival Opens in Koforidua
