The Orange Order is still going strong in west Africa despite it facing many economic and political barriers, according to research conducted by a University of Ulster academic.

Dr Rachel Naylor, a lecturer in sociology at the Magee campus, says that the level of interest and commitment to the Orange Order in parts of Ghana and Togo might come as a surprise to people living in Northern Ireland.

“Although numerically small, those involved are highly committed and the level of interest is certainly significant,” she said.

However, although they march and dress in much the same fashion as the Northern Ireland brethren, it is nonetheless difficult to make comparisons, says Dr Naylor, as the political, ethnic and religious context is so different.

“The current emphasis in Ghana is very much on the spiritual and social support elements of the Order,” Dr Naylor added.

There are currently about 20 Orange lodges in west Africa and membership at a number of youth lodges in Ghana is increasing, which seems to augur well for the future of the Order in that area. The revival in Orangeism has coincided with the return of democracy to Ghana.

There were hopes that a similar environment for growth might exist in Togo following recent elections but the results of the poll led to violence and the exodus of thousands of refugees to neighbouring states.

Dr Naylor’s research into the nature and significance of the Orange Order in west Africa is supported by the Institute of Ulster Scots Studies.

(MB/SP)