It’s no surprise that the Orange Order is found outside the British Isles in areas with colonial connections such as Australia and Canada, however, its presence on the African continent is lesser known. This edition of A Day in the Life looks at Orangeism in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, and follows Drew Nelson as he travels from Belfast to Ghana to meet his fellow Orangemen and women.

The first Orange lodge in what is now Ghana was founded in 1918 and was brought here either by missionaries or Orangemen within the British military. Drew Nelson enjoys a warm welcome by the local community in Keta and is invited to join in the service and watch the Grand Orange Lodge of Ghana installation ritual of two members. Grand Master CCK Mamattah explains the importance of religion and community over politics in Ghanaian lodges and his belief that Christians of all denominations should come together. Drew Nelson concludes that the Orange order in Northern Ireland has a lot to learn from their counterparts in Ghana.

Contributors: Drew Nelson, Dr Rachel Naylor, CCK Mamattah, Kofe Humado, CY Tay, EKK Attipo, Togbe Subo, Chris Kumassah

UTV Production