Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has refuted claims that Freemasonry is anti-Christian, insisting that it aligns with Christian principles.

Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Wednesday, January 29, he maintained that his membership in the fraternity does not conflict with his Catholic faith.

His remarks were in response to concerns raised by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference following his public disclosure during a parliamentary vetting that he is both a Catholic and a Freemason.

In a letter signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Church reaffirmed its position that Catholicism and Freemasonry are incompatible.

However, Afenyo-Markin dismissed such concerns, asserting, “Freemasonry is not anti-Christ. If nothing at all, at the highest level of Masonry, you must profess Christ. People don’t know and people say things. But I’m ready for that debate.”

The Minority Leader emphasised that he remains a devoted Catholic and is open to dialogue with Church authorities.

“My church first. The church doesn’t force people; the church shows compassion, listens, and shows love. My Archbishop, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has not written any letter to me. I have been seeing letters flying, but nobody has written a letter to me personally.”

Afenyo-Markin also stated that he would not shy away from discussing his affiliations, pointing out that many Catholics are Freemasons but fear public scrutiny.

“I’m a committed Catholic. I’m ready to discuss the fraternities that I join. If I was afraid, I wouldn’t have brought it up. There are many Catholics who are Freemasons and are afraid to talk about it.”