The Gold Coast Masonic Hall in Cape Coast served as the distinguished venue for the 2024 Festival of Institutional Lodges, hosted by the District Grand Lodge of Ghana. The grand event brought together Freemasons from across the country for a day of ceremony, reflection, and celebration.
The festival began with the ceremonial entrance of the District Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Isaac Owulaku Hood, and his delegation, accompanied by the solemn hymn, Omnipotent Redeemer, setting a reverent tone for the gathering.
Worshipful Brother Ambassador Dr. William G.M. Brandful, Chairman of the Festival Standing Committee, welcomed attendees with an address that emphasized the significance of the annual gathering. This was followed by a heartfelt dedication prayer from the Festival Chaplain, Brigadier General Moses Aryee, invoking divine blessings on the proceedings.
Worshipful Brother Dr. Bright Kyei Wiredu introduced the festival’s orator, Worshipful Brother Dr. Andrew Ananie Arkutu. In a compelling address, Dr. Arkutu paid tribute to Worshipful Brother Francis Lodowic Bartels, OBE— the first African Headmaster of Mfantsipim School. He highlighted Bartels’ enduring legacy as an educator, diplomat, international civil servant, and Freemason. The audience then joined in the stirring ode Now Praise We Great and Famous Men, celebrating visionary leaders of the past.
The centerpiece of the festival was the lecture delivered by Ambassador Mrs. Agnes Aggrey-Orleans, introduced by W. Bro. Amb. Dr. Brandful. Her lecture, titled “Freemasonry and Religion: Dispelling the Myths, Distilling the Truth,” powerfully addressed common misconceptions. She clarified that Freemasonry is not a religion and is not in conflict with any faith. Rather, it is a fraternity built on the values of harmony, respect, and unity among people of all religious and social backgrounds.
Ambassador Aggrey-Orleans called on Freemasons to become more vocal in promoting the true essence of Freemasonry to the wider public. This was followed by thought-provoking responses from W. Bro. Mahama Seidu, who offered insights from an Islamic perspective, and W. Bro. Emmanuel Perry Andoh Mensah, who shared a Christian viewpoint. The discussions, moderated by W. Bro. Professor Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, engaged both Masons and guests in a lively and open exchange.
The District Grand Master delivered closing remarks, commending all contributors and reaffirming the Lodge’s commitment to truth, service, and fellowship.
The day concluded with a festive banquet at Pempamsie Hotel, where brethren and guests celebrated their shared values and strengthened bonds of brotherhood in a spirit of joy and unity.
