The Gold Coast Masonic Hall in Cape Coast was the scene of a grand ceremony as members of the District Grand Lodge of Ghana gathered for the 2024 Festival of Institutional Lodges.

The ceremony commenced with the arrival of Right Worshipful Isaac Owulaku Hood, District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of Ghana, accompanied by his delegation.

They entered the hall to the solemn strains of "Omnipotent Redeemer," setting a reverent tone for the proceedings.

W. Bro. Amb. Dr. William G.M. Brandful, Chairman of the Festival Standing Committee, delivered the Welcome Address. This was followed by a dedication prayer from the festival Chaplain, Brigadier General Moses Aryee, invoking blessings on the event and its participants.

W. Bro. Dr. Bright Kyei Wiredu, then introduced the Orator, W. Bro. Dr. Andrew Ananie Arkutu.

In his oration, Dr. Arkutu celebrated the extraordinary achievements of the first African Headmaster of Mfantsipim School, W. Bro. Francis Lodowic Bartels, OBE, BA, MA, LLD (Honoris Causa), highlighting his contributions to education in Ghana and Freemasonry.

Dr. Arkutu concluded by recognising his multifaceted career as a distinguished Freemason, educator, international civil servant, diplomat, and author.

The audience joined in singing the ode "Now Praise We Great and Famous Men" before the festival lecture, the seminal point of the meeting, commenced.

W. Bro. Amb. Dr. William G.M. Brandful provided a splendid introduction of the lecturer, Amb. Mrs. Agnes Aggrey-Orleans.

Amb. Aggrey-Orleans captivated the audience with her lecture on "Freemasonry and Religion: Dispelling the Myths, Distilling the Truth."

She emphasised that Freemasonry is neither a religion nor opposed to religion, but rather a fraternity that values harmony, respect, and happiness regardless of religious or social differences.

She challenged Freemasons to adopt a more proactive approach in defending and promoting the true nature of Freemasonry to the public.

The ceremony continued with insightful discussions from W. Bro. Mahama Seidu, who provided an Islamic perspective, and W. Bro. Emmanuel Perry Andoh Mensah, who shared a Christian perspective.

The lively discussions, moderated by W. Bro. Prof. Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, engaged both Masons and non-Masons alike, fostering a spirited exchange of ideas.

Concluding the ceremony, the District Grand Master addressed the participants before retiring with his delegation.

The event culminated in a banquet at Pempamsie Hotel, celebrating the fellowship and camaraderie of the Freemasons.