MP sues Owusu Bempah, church for GH¢10m over alleged defamation

A legal dispute between Effiduase-Asokore MP, Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, and Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah has moved to the High Court, with the legislator demanding GH¢10 million in damages for alleged defamation.

Dr Afriyie says the head pastor of Glorious Word Power Ministry International made claims against him on the church’s platform which damaged his reputation and exposed him to public ridicule.

The church has also been named as a defendant in the suit.

According to the statement of claim, Rev. Owusu Bempah allegedly accused the MP of engaging thugs or working with others to attack him and his church during a church service.

Dr Afriyie denies the allegation.

He says he has never attacked, threatened or conspired with anyone to attack Rev. Owusu Bempah or the church.

The MP argues that the alleged statements lowered his image in the eyes of right-thinking members of society, especially his constituents in Effiduase-Asokore.

“The Plaintiff says that accusing him of working with others to attack him and his church has lowered his standing and image in the estimation of right-thinking members of the Ghanaian society and in particular citizens of Effiduase-Asokore constituency,” the statement of claim said.

Dr Afriyie claims the comments were circulated widely on social media and were intended to portray him as a person unfit to hold public office.

He also says the statements affected his reputation as a medical officer, Member of Parliament and citizen.

The suit says Dr Afriyie later issued a warning to Rev. Owusu Bempah on social media, asking him to retract the allegations and apologise if he had no evidence to support them.

But according to the MP, Rev. Owusu Bempah did not withdraw the comments.

Instead, he allegedly indicated on K-Lover Media, hosted by Bra Kojo, that he was ready to face legal action.

Dr Afriyie further claims that the pastor knew he was the sitting MP for Effiduase-Asokore and was aware that he may seek re-election in the 2028 general elections.

He argues that the comments were made maliciously and without due care for his public standing, integrity and reputation.

The MP is asking the court to award GH¢10 million in damages over the alleged defamatory statements said to have been made on September 6, 2026.

He is also seeking an order compelling Rev. Owusu Bempah and the church to retract the statements and issue an unqualified apology on the same platforms where they were published.

The suit asks that the apology remain on those platforms for 14 days.

Dr Afriyie is further seeking a perpetual injunction to stop the defendants from making similar statements against him.

He is also asking for costs, including legal fees.

The suit was filed on September 11, 2026, by Ohene Gyan & Associates.