Members of the Grand Lodge of Ghana and the District Grand Lodge of England joined thousands of mourners at the Manhyia Palace to observe the burial rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

The Masonic delegation was led by Most Worshipful Dr. Nortey Kwashie Omaboe, Grand Master, and Very Worshipful Owulaku Hood, District Grand Master, accompanied by a retinue of senior brethren, according to a report by 3news.com.

Otumfuo leads solemn burial rites for late Asantehemaa

The report noted that their presence served two purposes: to pay respect to the late Queen Mother and to console the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is both the Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana and the bereaved brother of the late Asantehemaa.

Asantehemaa’s body laid in state as thousands pay their last respects

"In Freemasonry, such a moment transcends ritual formality. The visit embodies the order's creed of brotherly love, relief, and truth. By standing in grief with their Grand Patron, the Masons honoured a long-cherished tradition that no brother, however exalted, should walk alone in sorrow. Their attendance was both symbolic and spiritual, a reminder of the eternal nature of the soul and the unbroken bonds of fellowship that endure beyond the grave," the report said.

It continued, "Dressed in black cloth and – the other senior brethren – in the iconic, understated black suits that have become synonymous with Masonic presence at solemn occasions, the Most Worshipful Dr Omaboe offered words of solace that reached beyond the ceremonial. Quoting Henry Scott-Holland’s enduring reflection Death is Nothing at All, he gently reminded the Otumfuo that love and memory outlast mortality."

After signing the book of condolence, the brethren donated GH¢ 105,000 on behalf of the Freemasons of Ghana.

The late Asantehemaa was the 14th to ascend the stool and the biological sister of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. She ascended to the revered position in 2020, succeeding her late mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

JKB/SEA

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