Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world, tracing its origins to the local guilds of stonemasons and builders in the 14th century.

From constructing castles, churches, and cathedrals, Freemasons have used their building skills to teach members how to lead productive lives and benefit the communities they live in.

In 2017, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II openly acknowledged his alignment with Freemasonry, a common occurrence among royals and prominent figures, including presidents and prime ministers, ministers of state and among others.

During a book launch titled: “The Freemasons; who we are; what we stand for and do; our relevance – An insider’s view,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu admitted to being a Mason.

“I am a proud Freemason, and I confirm that the principles and tenets of Freemasonry taught in the Lodge, especially in the areas of governance and accountability, have always guided me well in my daily duties as Asantehene,” he was quoted as saying by ghanacrusader.com.

The respected King also recommended the book to all Freemasons and the general public to gain a better understanding of their principles and functions.

“I recommend this book to every Freemason and to members of the general public,” the King said.

The book was launched in 2017 by the then Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ghana, the Most Worshipful Kwadjo Adunkwa Butah.

The ceremony was attended by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and other prominent members of the Freemason society in Ghana.

According to the United Grand Lodge of England, in the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone.

This practice is reflected today in the way members of respective lodges in Freemasonry “come together to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.”

Meanwhile, Freemasons from across Ghana and beyond will gather in Kumasi this weekend to honour Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on two significant milestones; his 25th anniversary on the Golden Stool and his 25th anniversary as a Freemason.

The event will also mark the 15th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Ghana.

The celebration, set to take place at the Sir Agyemang Prempeh II Masonic Hall, will pay tribute to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended to the Golden Stool in 1999 and has been a steadfast supporter of Freemasonry throughout his reign.

Following the formal Masonic ceremony, festivities will continue at the Jubilee Hall in Manhyia, fostering a spirit of unity and brotherhood among attendees.

The Grand Lodge of Ghana was formally founded on January 24, 2009, as a "Sovereign Masonic Body."

The Grand Lodge of Ghana oversees a significant number of subordinate lodges and is grouped into four provincial Grand Lodges: South West (Cape Coast), South East (Accra), North (Kumasi), and East (Lome & Volta).

The United Grand Lodge of England was the first to recognize the newly constituted Grand Lodge of Ghana.

Most Worshipful Brother Charles William Stanley-Pierre was installed as the first Grand Master, followed by Most Worshipful Brother Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI in 2013, and Most Worshipful Brother N/Capt Kwadjo Adunkwa Butah in 2017.

MA/EK