Kufuor Speaks on How He Became a Freemason and Catholic: "We Serve the Same God"
- Former president John Kufuor recounted his journey into Freemasonry during an interview on the Delay Show
- Kufuor also spoke about becoming Catholic, and the role his wife and children played in the conversion
- The former president is one of Ghana's most high-profile Freemasons alongside Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Former President John Kufuor addressed his fascinating affiliation with Freemasonry in a recent interview.
The former president, who just turned 87, explained how he became a Freemason in his younger years.
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Kufuor appeared on the Delay Show, where he also refuted long-held misconceptions about freemasons.
"I joined the Freemasons in 1967 as a young lawyer. I joined them because members of my family; my uncle and my senior brother, as well as our friends"
"People are likely to be afraid of what they do not know. You see us wearing black ties, bowing with some of us holding [sic], singing when we are going to bury someone... people say we are going to resurrect the person, but it is not the truth."
Kufuor also spoke about his Christian faith and how he became a Catholic.
He noted that he started practising Catholicism because of the influence of his wife and children.
"My wife was a chorister. She was a Catholic and took my household to church, Christ the King. I was not a Catholic, but from the way things were going, I converted to join them.
"My children told me that all the parents and their classmates attend the church, but I always drop them off and leave. So, I thought of this and said that we serve the same God whether we attend the Anglican, the Methodist, or the Catholic church, so I joined them."
More about Freemasonry in Ghana
According to the Ghana Lodge, Freemasonry came to Ghana in the mid-1800s, with Lodges operating under the authority of the English, Irish, and Scottish Grand Lodges.
These Grand Lodges eventually formed administrative Districts and a Province in Ghana.
Freemasonry remains among the world’s largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. Its members come from all walks of life and meet as equals, irrespective of their faith, ethnic group or societal position.
The most important contribution of Freemasonry to any society is inherent in what members call 'The Character of a Freemason'.
In the past, the Freemasons Society of Ghana’s members have opposed the harmful practices rumoured to be associated with it.
They have denied allegations that their organisation is a cult and instead said they are simply upstanding members of society.
Otumfuo 'has no regrets about Freemasonry'
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is another of Ghana's high-profile Freemasons
The Asanteking has in the past said he had no regrets about his 25-year membership in Freemasonry.
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The Asantehene is the Grand Patron of the Freemasons' Grand Lodge of Ghana. The Asante King has long maintained that the lodge would be immensely beneficial to Ghana.
Despite some earlier doubts, the Asantehene said he was satisfied with his time as a Freemason. Looking forward, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed his commitment to making the organisation benefit all people.
He was also hopeful about the Grand Lodge's future growth and improved dedication from members, and has been an advocate of lodges for women interested in joining the Freemasons.
Freemasons kick against negative image
YEN.com.gh reported that the Freemasons Society of Ghana's members have previously kicked against the harmful perceptions associated with it.
It has in the past denied allegations that it is a cult and said they are upstanding members of society.
They noted that they have members in government, politics and even the clergy.
Source: YEN.com.gh
