KSJI in Africa
From Saltpond 1937 to seven Grands across Ghana
The Order of the Knights of St. John was introduced into Africa in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1933 — a story of perseverance and Catholic zeal that would grow from Saltpond to seven Grand Commanderies across Ghana.
From Gold Coast to Seven Grands
KSJI in Africa
The Order of the Knights of St. John was introduced into Africa in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1933 — a story of perseverance and Catholic zeal that would grow from Saltpond to seven Grand Commanderies across Ghana.
The Order Reaches Saltpond
Anthony Quansah of Saltpond, a Catholic shipping clerk, impressed an expatriate officer with his faith. The officer shared documents about the Order with him, and Bro. Emmanuel Raphael Quansah gathered aspirants to apply to the Supreme Commandery in the United States.
Saltpond — First Commandery
Archbishop Thomas William Porter of Cape Coast granted approval after five years of preparation. In 1937, St. John the Baptist Commandery No. 346 was inaugurated at Saltpond — the first commandery in West Africa, with Bro. Quansah as its first President.
West Africa Grand Chartered
Sacred Heart Commandery No. 351, Accra (1944) became the mother of commanderies in the capital. The West Africa Grand Commandery was chartered on August 15, 1949. The first Ladies Auxiliary in Africa — St. Philomena #306 — was established in Liberia in December 1954; Ghana's first auxiliary followed in Takoradi in 1959.
Seven Grands of Ghana
By the mid-1980s, the West Africa Grand had outgrown itself. On December 15, 1986, the Supreme Commandery created national Grands including Ghana, Togo, Liberia, and Nigeria — paving the way for today's seven Grands across Ghana.
KSJI in AfricaFrom a shipping clerk's faith in the Gold Coast to the first commandery at Saltpond
— Africa's KSJI story is one of perseverance and Catholic zeal.
1933 Introduction
Anthony Quansah of Saltpond received documents about the Order and began gathering aspirants for the Supreme Commandery.
1937 First Commandery
St. John the Baptist Commandery No. 346 was inaugurated at Saltpond — the first in West Africa.
Ladies Auxiliary
Ghana's first Ladies Auxiliary followed in Takoradi in 1959, building on Liberia's pioneering St. Philomena #306.
KSJI Africa at a Glance
KSJI Africa Timeline
Order Introduced
KSJI reaches the Gold Coast through Bro. Anthony Quansah of Saltpond.
Saltpond Inauguration
First West African commandery — St. John the Baptist No. 346.
Accra Mother
Sacred Heart Commandery No. 351 becomes mother of Accra commanderies.
WA Grand Chartered
West Africa Grand Commandery receives its charter.
Ghana Auxiliary
First Ladies Auxiliary in Ghana established in Takoradi.
National Grands
Ghana, Togo, Liberia, and Nigeria receive national Grand status.
Seven Grands
Ghana restructures into seven Grand Commanderies including Accra West. Learn more
Seven Grands of Ghana
From Saltpond in 1937 to seven national Grands today — Ghana's KSJI family continues to grow in faith and service.
Explore the seven Grand Commanderies or return to the global KSJI story.