The Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has stirred widespread debate after quoting from a Freemasons’ text during the Induction and Orientation Programme for Members of the Ninth Parliament (Cohort 1) on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
The event, held to prepare new and returning MPs for effective governance, took an interesting turn when the Minority Leader incorporated Freemasonry principles to emphasize unity, humility, and equality in leadership.
Quoting from the Freemasons’ second-degree working tools, Afenyo-Markin stated, “We have all sprung from the same stock, partakers of the same nature, and sharers in the same hope.
And although distinctions amongst men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet ought no eminence of situation make you feel superior over the other.”
He continued, highlighting the transient nature of power and the ultimate equality of all humans in death, “As the time will come, the wisest of men knows not how soon, when all distinctions, save those of goodness and virtue, shall cease, and death, the grand leveler of all human greatness, shall reduce us to the same state.”
While his speech drew applause at the event, social media platforms erupted with mixed reactions.
A section of users criticized the move, questioning the appropriateness of referencing Freemasonry in a public political event.
One user wrote, “I don’t know why they’re trying by force to normalize this cult in Ghana.
I blame the Catholic Bishops for this nonsense.” Another commented, “Nonsense. Jehovah ever everything.”
Others accused the public of displaying double standards, comparing the lack of criticism towards Afenyo-Markin, an NPP member, to the backlash Otumfuo Osei Tutu II faced when he honored Freemasonry.
“No one is discussing it since he is an NPP member, but when Otumfuo honored Freemasonry, we were berating him mercilessly,” a user observed.
Another user added, “If an NDC MP had quoted from that Freemasons’ book, Ashanti region radio stations would be on fire Monday morning.”
Despite the criticisms, some praised the wisdom in the quotation.
“I’m no fan of Freemasonry, but you gotta admit that was some great piece of wise words,” one user remarked.
The incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding Freemasonry in Ghana, with many associating the organization with secrecy and controversial beliefs.
Afenyo-Markin’s speech has reignited conversations about the role of religious and philosophical influences in politics and public life.
The Induction and Orientation Programme aims to equip MPs with the values and skills necessary for effective leadership.
When the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, quoted from the Freemasons’ book during the Induction and Orientation Programme for Members of the Ninth Parliament (Cohort 1), held on Saturday, 11th January 2025.#GraphicOnline pic.twitter.com/2kMyiWOhBA
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) January 12, 2025
