Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has sued the Head Pastor of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, over alleged defamatory statements accusing him of being part of a plot to attack the pastor and his church.
The suit, filed at the High Court, seeks GH¢10 million in damages for defamation against Rev. Owusu Bempah and Glorious Word Power Ministry International, represented by its registered trustees.
According to the 11-page statement of claim, the alleged defamatory comments were made by Rev. Owusu Bempah during a church service at the premises of the Glorious Word Power Ministry International on or around September 6, 2026.
The three-time MP claims Rev. Owusu Bempah accused him, together with other individuals, of planning an attack on the church by allegedly bringing two bus-loads of thugs to the premises.
In the statement of claim, Dr Ayew Afriye says the pastor specifically mentioned his name, alongside former NPP Member of Parliament Anthony Abayifa Karbo, former CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Sammi Awuku and Opare Ansah, as persons allegedly involved in the purported plan.
Dr Ayew Afriye denies the allegations and says he has never conspired with anyone or organised any group to attack Rev. Owusu Bempah or his church.
He argues that the statements, which were subsequently circulated on social media, portrayed him as a person lacking the moral standing and integrity required to hold public office.
The MP further claims that the allegations have damaged his reputation as a medical practitioner, politician and public figure, while also exposing him to public ridicule and scorn.
According to the court document, Dr Ayew Afriye had earlier issued a warning to Rev. Owusu Bempah on social media, demanding that he retract the allegations and apologise if he could not provide evidence to substantiate them.
He says the pastor instead indicated that he was prepared to face the matter in court, allegedly saying in an interview that those threatening legal action should proceed to court.
Dr Ayew Afriye claims the continued publication of the allegations has affected his political standing in the Effiduase-Asokore Constituency, with some potential voters allegedly distancing themselves from him because of the accusations.
He is therefore asking the court to award him GH¢10 million in damages and order the defendants to retract the alleged defamatory statements and issue an unqualified apology through the same platforms on which the statements were published.
He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Rev. Owusu Bempah and the ministry from making or causing to be made similar statements about him.
The MP is additionally seeking costs, including legal fees.
The allegations contained in the suit are claims by the plaintiff and are yet to be determined by the court.
