I’m a Mason, Amity is my Mother, The Grand Architect of the Universe is whom I place my trust - Opare Addo Confirmed
- Jan 23, 2025
- 3 min read
An exchange between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and ministerial nominee Opare Addo during a parliamentary session has brought Freemasonry into the spotlight in Ghana’s socio-political discourse. The interaction, rich with symbolic Masonic dialogue, provided a rare glimpse into the principles of the ancient fraternity and its influence among public figures in the country.
The Exchange: Masonic Tradition in Parliament
The moment unfolded when Afenyo-Markin directly asked Opare Addo, “Are you a Freemason?”To which Opare Addo replied, “Yes, I’m a Mason.”
This opened the door to a series of symbolic questions:
Afenyo-Markin: “Who is your mother?”
Opare Addo: “Amity.”
Afenyo-Markin: “In all difficulties and dangers, in whom do you place your trust?”
Opare Addo: “The Grand Architect of the Universe.”
These responses, steeped in Masonic tradition, reflect key tenets of Freemasonry, including the fraternity's emphasis on faith, spirituality, and mutual trust. “Amity” refers to Opare Addo's specific Masonic lodge, while “The Grand Architect of the Universe” symbolizes the Supreme Being that Freemasons place their faith in.
Freemasonry is built on principles of personal development, ethical conduct, brotherhood, and philanthropy. Its influence among Ghanaian leaders has been the subject of much intrigue, with prominent figures such as former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and former National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah being known members of the fraternity.
Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu, has openly discussed his Masonic affiliation in the past. In a 2016 interview on Starr Chat, he affirmed that Freemasonry aligns with his Catholic faith, saying, “Freemasonry is a fraternal society that believes in God Almighty and follows certain principles that guide a man’s life.” However, this stance has faced criticism from some Catholic leaders who argue that Freemasonry conflicts with Catholic teachings.
Despite its focus on philanthropy and ethical values, Freemasonry in Ghana has often been misunderstood, with claims linking it to occultism and human sacrifices for wealth and power. However, the Grand Lodge of Ghana has consistently refuted such allegations.
In 2019, Most Worshipful Bro Naval Captain Kwadjo Adunkwa Butan, then-Grand Master, clarified that Freemasonry is centered on serving humanity and improving the world, rather than pursuing wealth or power. “We do not possess special powers or have secret gods we worship,” he stated. Similarly, Abraham Gyasi, Chairman of the Grand Lodge Masonic Education Committee, reiterated that Freemasonry is about decency and respectability, not sinister rituals.
Shifting the focus back to governance, Opare Addo, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), assured Parliament of his dedication to inclusivity and effective leadership for Ghanaian youth.
“The day His Excellency nominated me, I urged 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,” he stated.
The newly created ministry, tasked with youth development and empowerment, carries high expectations from a population eager for opportunities.
The Masonic interaction between Afenyo-Markin and Opare Addo underscores the fraternity’s enduring values of trust, respect, and service. While their political affiliations differ, the exchange highlighted the bonds shared by Freemasons, transcending party lines.
As Freemasonry continues to influence public figures in Ghana, its values of moral integrity, philanthropy, and brotherhood remain vital principles for leadership. This moment in Parliament serves as a reminder of the shared ethical commitments that guide leaders in their service to the nation.
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