Accra, July 2025 — Ghanaian evangelist and former traditional priestess Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour after an Accra Circuit Court found her guilty of charlatanic advertisement and fraudulent false pretences .
The Case Explaine
Televised Scam: In October 2022, Agradaa promoted an all-night service on Today-TV and social media, pledging to double money brought to her church, Heaven Way Champion International Ministry — even staging display of GH₵300,000 in cash.
Scheme Mechanics: Participants were grouped and instructed to deposit GH₵1,000–GH₵1,500 each with promises of returns ranging from GH₵25,000–GH₵50,000.
Conviction: Convicted on one count of charlatanic advertisement and five counts of defrauding by false pretence; fined GH₵300, then handed the 15‑year sentence, with a mandatory pregnancy test preceding sentencing.
Legal Significance: Advocates say the case sets a precedent in Ghana for tackling spiritual scams and clarifies that religious freedom does not shield those who defraud.
Public Reaction: Justice or Overreach?
Divided opinions dominate the public sphere:
Critics argue 15 years is disproportionate:
“Fifteen years? That’s too harsh. She didn’t kill anyone.”
Supporters view it as deterrent justice:
“She deserves every day of it. People lost their life savings.”
Netizens and media personalities—like Hopeson Adorye—expressed sorrow, while others accused the prosecution of targeting her spiritual stature.
Legal & Societal Implications
Legal Expert Insight: Prosecutors cite Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act sections 131–132 (fraud) and 137 (charlatanic advertisement) as grounds for conviction.
Charismatic Religion vs. Fraud: The government asserts that faith-based messages don’t justify criminal deception.
Global Parallels: Similar cases in other jurisdictions affirm that spiritual leaders are not immune from fraud prosecution.
What Happens Next?
Appeal Filed: Agradaa’s legal team has appealed to the High Court, arguing bias, insufficient evidence, and an excessively harsh sentence
Presidential Pardon Talk: Calls are emerging to invoke Ghana’s constitutionally enshrined presidential pardon power under Article 72—requiring Council of State consultation.
Advocates like Bukom Banku and media personality Roland Walker have appealed for clemency
Finally, Nana Agradaa’s sentencing is more than a courtroom moment—it’s a cultural flashpoint. It ignites discourse on:
The balance between faith and accountability
The limits of spiritual influence over vulnerable populations
Judicial responsibility in regulating public figures purporting supernatural claims
Potential political ramifications ahead of a possible pardon
Supporters of the verdict insist it’s a vital stand against exploitation; detractors condemn it as judicial overkill with moral consequences for her large following. As her fate awaits appeal and political review, Ghana continues grappling with the interplay of justice, religion, and public trust.
