Kumasi, Jan 16, GNA - Mr Abraham Gyesie, Chairman of the Public Relations Unit of the District Grand Freemasons Lodge of Ghana, has said that the Lodge creates the atmosphere of conviviality needed to move society forward.

He said members do not meet to worship or deliberate on political issues but matters that would enable them to improve on their lifestyles to serve as useful citizens.

Mr Gyesie was speaking at a press soiree organised by the Freemasons in connection with the 75th Anniversary celebration of the District Lodge.

He said there was the need for Ghanaians to rededicate themselves to serve God and the nation. "Let us obey moral laws, trust and assist each other and be serviceable to fellow creatures." The chairman said Lodge is not a religion but a social club that any person above 21 years can join only if he was devoid of bad criminal record.

Mr Eddie Hayford, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the anniversary, said the principles of the Freemasonry and tenets were established on religious truth and virtue and that it is a worldwide institution.

He said there are members from all walks of life including professional men, chiefs, the clergy, politicians and parliamentarians. Mr Hayford said everyone who enters Freemasonry is strictly forbidden to countenance any act that might have the tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society.

"He must pay due obedience to the law of any state in which he resides or which may afford him protection and must never be remiss in the in the allegiance due to the sovereign of his native land", he said. He said in Ghana Freemasons have dispensed charity in various areas including education where scholarships to needy children of masons and non-masons alike were awarded each year to enable them to pursue their studies at the secondary and tertiary levels.