Freemasonry, an ancient fraternity, has a long history, and many famous individuals are believed to have been Freemasons.
While the private nature of Freemasonry makes it difficult to confirm membership, historical records, symbols, and statements often indicate involvement.
Here are some examples of famous Freemasons from around the world, including in Ghana:
John Agyekum Kufuor, the former president of Ghana (2001-2008), is indeed a Freemason. He has openly spoken about his membership and holds the position of Senior Grand Warden within the United Grand Lodge of England Freemasons.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has openly declared his pride in being a Freemason, emphasizing how the principles and teachings of Freemasonry have positively influenced his governance and accountability as the Asantehene.
He stated, “I am a proud Freemason, and I confirm that the principles and tenets of Freemasonry that we are taught in the Lodge, especially in the areas of governance and accountability, have always stood me in good stead in my daily functions as Asantehene.”
The National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah, was appointed and installed as the Assistant Grand Master of Freemasons in Ghana. The ceremony took place in Accra on Saturday, May 8, 2021, conducted by the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Ghana.
Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region, is a member of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons. He has stated that the teachings and values of the organization are in line with his Catholic principles and upbringing.
A barrister, writer, and politician, Joseph Ephraim Casely Hayford, was the first indigenous Ghanaian to be called to the English bar. He is believed to be one of the founders of Freemasonry in Ghana and served as the first Ghanaian Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ghana.
Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, is believed to have been a Freemason, although there is no documented proof of his initiation. References to his membership can be found in several books and articles.
Otwasuom Osei Nyampong is the grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of Ghana.
John Henry Martey Newman, a Ghanaian Historian, Administrator, and Lawyer and was also the Chief of Staff of Ghana under President John Atta Mills.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the renowned composer, was reportedly initiated into a Viennese lodge in 1784. Some of his works, such as “The Magic Flute,” contain Masonic references, suggesting his involvement with Freemasonry.
Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, was a member of the Studholme Lodge No. 1524. He once remarked, “Freemasonry has always been a very good friend to me.”
Mark Twain, the renowned American writer, was affiliated with the Phoenix Lodge No. 6 in Hannibal, Missouri. It’s believed that he incorporated Masonic symbols, including the Square and Compass, into his literary works.
J. Edgar Hoover, the renowned director of the FBI for many years, was a member of the Alexandria Lodge No. 22 in Alexandria, Virginia. There are suggestions that he leveraged his influential position to advocate for Freemasonry within the FBI.
Benjamin Franklin, a key Founding Father of the United States, was a notable figure in the Freemasons. He held a prominent role as the Grand Master of the Pennsylvania Provincial Grand Lodge.
George Washington, another Founding Father and the first President of the United States, was also a member of the Freemasons. He famously laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol Building in a Masonic ceremony.
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was a member of the Mount Moriah Lodge No. 141 in Alexandria, Virginia. He was the last president to be a Freemason.