In a statement issued by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Church clarified that its stance on Freemasonry remains unchanged and that membership in Masonic associations is incompatible with Catholic doctrine.

“You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time,” the Archbishop stated, addressing concerns over whether the Church had revised its position on Freemasonry.

Church Doctrine on Freemasonry

The Archbishop referenced the 1983 document titled Declaration on Masonic Associations issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which explicitly forbids Catholic membership in Freemasonry.

Quoting from the document, he said: “The Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.”

The Archbishop also outlined key reasons for this stance, highlighting contradictions between Masonic principles and Catholic teachings.

“Masonic principles denigrate Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, placing Him on the same level as Buddha, Krishna, Confucius, and others. Prayers through Christ are omitted and instead addressed to the ‘Great Architect of the Universe,’” he explained.

He added: “Freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason.”

Catholic Faith vs. Freemasonry

The Archbishop criticized Freemasonry’s approach to religious texts, which places the Bible on the same level as other religious writings. He described this as “absolutely preposterous” and quoted Matthew 6:24 to emphasize the incompatibility: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

He further noted that Catholics who become Freemasons are in grave sin and are therefore barred from receiving Holy Communion.

Call for Adherence

Archbishop Kwofie urged Catholics, particularly young adults, to seek guidance from the Church and adhere to its teachings.

“Many of our Catholics, especially the young adults, need to know this and follow the Church for direction, especially at a time when some people are presenting Freemasonry as an association worth being affiliated with,” he said.

The Archbishop concluded by encouraging Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith and to rely on the Holy Spirit for enlightenment: “Let us kindly take note of this, and may the Holy Spirit continue to enlighten us to follow His path.”

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This sparked interest during the NDC Youth Organiser’s vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 22.

The revelation came in response to a direct question posed by Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the vetting session.

Here’s what ensued:

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin: Are you a free mason?

Youth Minister-nominee: Yes, I’m a mason.

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin: In all difficulties and dangers, who in whom do you place your trust.

Youth Minister-nominee: The grand architect of the universe.

Shifting the focus to George Opare Addo’s suitability for the role, Mr Afenyo-Markin asked how he intended to assure Ghanaian youth that the newly created Ministry for Youth Development would meet their expectations.

The nominee stressed his commitment to inclusivity and effective leadership.

“I started by saying that the day His Excellency nominated me, I put out a statement urging every Ghanaian youth to believe in the kind of leadership I bring on board. I am not going to be discriminatory. I’m here to serve the Ghanaian youth and no other person,” Mr Opare Addo declared.

This was at a ceremony held in Accra on Saturday, May 8, 2021, by the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Ghana.

Mr Dapaah was installed together with other prominent Ghanaians.

The Akuapemhene of Amanokrom Akuapem, Dr Nortey Omaboe, was also installed as the Deputy Grand Master.

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Meanwhile, the current Grand Master, Nana Osei Atwene Bonsu, is the fourth Grand Master of the Lodge.

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on Friday morning at Windsor Castle. He was the longest-serving royal consort in the history of the British monarchy.

A number of other Royal Family members have associations with The Freemasons.

In a statement, the group said: “The Freemasons are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Prince Philip this morning and we extend our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family.

“His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh started his life in Freemasonry in 1952, at the age of 31.

“He was initiated into Navy Lodge, No 2612, on 5 December.

“On 6 March 1953, HRH Prince Philip progressed to the Second Degree of Freemasonry, before advancing to the Third Degree on 4 May 1953.

“The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) issued his Grand Lodge Certificate on 7 May that same year and he has remained a member to this day.”

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The Freemasons are a group of fraternal bodies which can trace their origins to associations of stonemasons in the late 14th century.

Philip was born on Corfu in June 1921, the son of Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece.

Due to his parentage, he initially held the title Prince of Greece and Denmark.

Philip joined the Royal Navy in 1939 serving with distinction during the second world war.

He was mentioned in dispatches for his bravery at the Battle of Cape Matapan during the 1941 German invasion of Crete.

In 1947 Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles before marrying Princess Elizabeth.

Following the death of her father in 1952,

Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II.

According to The Freemasons’ statement Prince Philip was active within the organisation.

They said: “The Duke of Edinburgh was known to drop into meetings at his Freemasons Lodge almost unannounced.

“Navy Lodge has a storied past and an amazing roster of luminaries appear upon its membership roll.

“The Lodge prides itself on being the premier Naval Lodge in the world, with an unparalleled history that includes four monarchs as past members – King Edward VII, King Edward VIII, King George VI and King George II of the Hellenes.”

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, is also a Mason holding the title of Grand Master.

The news of Prince Philip’s death was announced by a statement from Buckingham Palace.

It said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Boris Johnson said the Duke had “inspired the lives of countless young people”.

Following the announcement well-wishers began leaving flowers outside Buckingham Palace in London

He died on Monday, November 19, 2018, a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry has said.

Mr Aggrey-Orleans was Ghana’s envoy to the United Kingdom from October 1997 to March 2001.

He was Acting Clerk to Parliament, from 1979 to 1981, and Head of the Parliamentary Service.

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He also served as Chief of Protocol at the Foreign Affairs Ministry from 1975 to 1979, and as Assistant Director of the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has since visited the bereaved family and signed a book of condolence which has been opened in honour of the late Aggrey-Orleans.

Mr Aggrey-Orleans was born in October 1937 at Sekondi-Takoradi.

He attended Mfantsipim Senior High School, and then the University College of Ghana. He earned a degree from the University of London in French language and literature.

He also studied French at the University of Bordeaux, and followed up with a four-year post-graduate course of research in politics and diplomacy.

In 1963, he graduated in public administration.

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Freemasonry

He was part of the group of Freemasons who stormed K.B Asante’s funeral and later the funeral of V.C.R.A.C Crabbe in Accra.

In both cases, the Freemasons who wore masonry apparels filed past the coffin and surrounded it for their ritual Masonic Funeral rites.

MyNewsGh.com’s research revealed that a Masonic Funeral rite is afforded to all Master Masons in good standing within their respective lodge.

It is a ceremony where a Master Mason may have the Masonic funeral rites performed by his lodge for the pleasure of those who have known him and his works.

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It was further revealed that a Masonic funeral is done at the request of a Master Mason himself before his death or his family and the service may be held in a chapel, home, synagogue or Lodge room with committal at graveside.

Some prominent personalities and Masonic Leaders in Ghana, include His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, who is a Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana; and Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, a Freemason and Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England.

They have both spoken and encouraged people to have an open mind about Freemasonry.