The widely accepted perception that Freemasonry is synonymous to occultism and evil practices to acquire wealth and fame is a grave misunderstanding of their practice, the Grand Lodge of Ghana has said.

According to the Grand Master of the Ghana lodge, Most Worshipful Bro Naval Captain Kwadjo Adunkwa Butan, the primary purpose of being a Freemason is to serve and to make the world a better place for humanity.

Speaking at the launch of the group’s 10th anniversary at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Most Worshipful Bro Naval Captain Kwadjo Adunkwa Butan said:  “We are humans just like everybody else. We do not possess special powers or have secret gods we worship; and being a Freemason does not give money, power or fame,”.

To emphasize his Grand master's statement, the Chairman of the Grand Lodge Masonic Education Committee, Right Worshipful, Abraham Gyasi in an interview added that the group was rather into philanthropy.

“The misconceptions you have been hearing, they are not true, we don’t kill other people, we don’t drink blood, we are not an occult organisation but an organisation of very decent and respectable men,” Right Worshipful Gyasi said.

The event brought together individuals from all walks of life, including teachers, public servants, traders, judges, traditional rulers, statesmen, clergymen and farmers.

The ceremony was used to celebrate 10 years of dedication in helping to build a fairer, more kind and just society. The year-long anniversary celebration will also be used to dispel negative perceptions about society.