Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has dismissed claims that Freemasonry opposes Christianity.

Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has reaffirmed his affiliation with Freemasonry, dismissing allegations that the fraternity is anti-Christian. He insists that Freemasonry, at its highest level, requires a profession of faith in Christ and that misconceptions surrounding the organization stem from ignorance.

His comments come in response to concerns raised by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference following his public declaration of being both a Catholic and a Freemason. The controversy initially emerged before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer race in 2024 and resurfaced during the vetting of ministerial nominees in January 2025.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in a statement signed by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani, reiterated the Church’s long-standing position that Freemasonry and Catholicism are fundamentally incompatible.

“The Church has always maintained that Freemasonry contradicts the teachings of Christ and the Catholic faith,” the statement emphasized.

The controversy was further fueled by an earlier statement from the Accra Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, which asserted that no true Catholic could claim association with Freemasonry, as the two belief systems do not align.

However, Afenyo-Markin, in an interview with Channel One TV on January 29, 2025, refuted these assertions, arguing that Freemasonry is often misunderstood. He maintained that people who brand the fraternity as anti-Christian lack knowledge of its principles.

“Freemasonry is not anti-Christ. If anything, at its highest level, one must profess Christ. People make assumptions without understanding the true connection between Christ and Freemasonry. But I am open to a debate on this. I have not received any formal communication from the Church on the matter. If my church leaders reach out for a discussion, I would welcome it,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin also addressed questions regarding his standing in the Catholic Church, stating that should the Church take an explicit stance against his involvement in Freemasonry, he would consider joining the Anglican Church.

“For me, the Church comes first. The Church does not impose; it listens, shows compassion, and expresses love. My Archbishop, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has not written to me directly. I have seen letters circulating, but none has been addressed to me personally,” he noted.

He further suggested that many Catholics are members of Freemasonry but choose to remain silent due to fear of judgment or repercussions.

“I am a committed Catholic, and I am ready to discuss the fraternities I am part of. If I were afraid, I wouldn’t have spoken publicly about it. There are many Catholics who are Freemasons but are hesitant to admit it,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin’s remarks have reignited a broader debate on the intersection of religious beliefs and fraternity membership, particularly regarding the Catholic Church’s opposition to Freemasonry. While he remains resolute in his stance, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference continues to emphasize the perceived contradictions between the principles of Freemasonry and Christian teachings.

As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Church will take official action against him or whether his declaration will inspire other Catholic Freemasons to openly discuss their affiliations.