Effiduase Asokore MP Sues Owusu Bempah Defamation: GH¢10M Claim

• Effiduase-Asokore MP, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, has sued Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah and his Glorious Word Power Ministry International for GH¢10 million over alleged defamation.
• The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court, concerns statements made by Rev. Owusu Bempah on September 6, 2026, accusing the MP of plotting an attack on his church.
• Dr. Ayew Afriye denies the allegations, asserting they are defamatory and have caused him embarrassment and potential damage to his political and professional standing.
• The MP is seeking GH¢10 million in damages, a retraction, an unqualified apology on all platforms where the statements were published, and a perpetual injunction.
• The case highlights the legal risks associated with unsubstantiated public statements, especially when amplified through social media.

The Effiduase Asokore MP sues Owusu Bempah defamation case highlights the growing legal scrutiny of public statements, especially those amplified through digital channels.

A prominent Ghanaian legislator, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, who represents Effiduase-Asokore in Parliament, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, the Head Pastor of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, and his church. The action, filed at the Accra High Court, seeks GH¢10 million in damages following alleged defamatory comments made by the pastor.

The core of the Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye defamation suit stems from statements Rev. Owusu Bempah reportedly made during a church service on September 6, 2026. These remarks, which subsequently gained traction on social media platforms, accused Dr. Ayew Afriye and other figures associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of conspiring to orchestrate an attack against the pastor and his religious institution. Specifically, the writ quotes Rev. Owusu Bempah as alleging that the MP and others planned to transport two buses filled with individuals from the Ashanti Region to Accra with the intent of assaulting his church.

Dr. Ayew Afriye, a medical doctor and a third-term Member of Parliament, vehemently denies these accusations. He asserts that he has never engaged in any conspiracy nor attempted to organize any form of attack against Rev. Owusu Bempah or the Glorious Word Power Ministry International. The Effiduase Asokore MP sues Owusu Bempah defamation case highlights the growing legal scrutiny of public statements, especially those amplified through digital channels.

The Member of Parliament contends that the statements made by Rev. Owusu Bempah are inherently defamatory and were calculated to harm his standing as a medical professional, a legislator, and a public figure. Dr. Ayew Afriye believes that the widely circulated allegations have subjected him to embarrassment, public ridicule, and could potentially undermine his political career and influence within the Effiduase-Asokore constituency.

Prior to filing the Accra High Court libel case, Dr. Ayew Afriye publicly called upon Rev. Owusu Bempah to retract his allegations and issue an apology if he could not provide substantiation for his claims. However, the pastor reportedly responded in a media interview by indicating his readiness to resolve the matter in court. Consequently, the Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah GH¢10m lawsuit seeks several forms of relief from the court.

Dr. Ayew Afriye is requesting a judicial declaration that the statements are indeed defamatory. Beyond the substantial GH¢10 million in damages, he is also seeking an order for a full retraction and an unqualified apology to be published on all platforms where the original statements appeared. Furthermore, the MP is pursuing a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendants from making any similar statements against him in the future, alongside an award for legal costs and fees.

Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye brings a significant public profile to this legal dispute. Beyond his role as a medical doctor, he has served as a Member of Parliament for three terms under the NPP banner. His legislative experience includes chairing Parliament's Health Committee from 2021 until January 2025, and he currently holds the position of Ranking Member on the same committee. This background underscores the potential impact of such allegations on a public servant's reputation and credibility.

The case also draws attention to the intersection of Ghana defamation law, social media, and the responsibilities of public figures, including religious leaders. The rapid dissemination of information, particularly through video content on social media, can quickly amplify unsubstantiated claims, leading to significant legal and reputational consequences. The Glorious Word Power Ministry International lawsuit serves as a reminder of the heightened risks associated with public pronouncements in the digital age and the legal recourse available to those who believe their reputation has been unjustly damaged.

This case highlights the significant legal and financial risks for individuals and organizations, particularly public figures and religious bodies, regarding unsubstantiated public statements amplified on social media. Lawyers should advise clients on potential defamation liabilities and the importance of careful public communication to avoid substantial damages, retractions, and injunctions in Ghana.

Source: Original reporting via Nana Yaw Gyimah