However, in September 2008, Owusu joined League One side Cheltenham Town for free, on a one-year deal. In March 2009, Cheltenham allowed to Owusu to join Brighton & Hove Albion on loan until the end of the season after the club were forced to cut costs. Owusu scored seven goals in fourteen league appearances for Brighton, ensuring they avoided relegation from League One and as a result he was named as the League One Player of the Month for April 2009. Seventeen Brighton players were out of contact at the season's end, however Owusu was one of only three of these players to be offered a new contract. He did not accept the offer.