Self-proclaimed evangelist and former traditional priestess, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for defrauding people with her money-doubling scam. As she was led out of the Accra Circuit Court by police officers, Agradaa urged her church members to “keep praying.”
The court, presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, found Agradaa guilty of two counts of defrauding by false pretenses and charlatanic advertisement. In addition to the prison sentence, Agradaa was fined GH¢300, with a warning that failure to pay would result in an additional 30-day jail term.
Agradaa’s troubles began in October 2022 when she was arrested for airing a televised advert claiming to have supernatural powers to double money. Several individuals who responded to the advert reported being defrauded.
During the trial, Agradaa’s lawyer, Richard Asare Baffour, pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, citing the impact on her five children. However, the prosecution, led by ASP Emmanuel Haligah, argued that Agradaa had a previous conviction for a similar offense and showed no genuine remorse.
The court ultimately ruled that Agradaa’s actions were deliberate and unacceptable, sentencing her to 15 years in prison. The judgment marks a significant blow to fraudulent spiritual schemes and deceptive religious practices. Agradaa’s church, Heaven Way Champion International, will likely face an uncertain future without its leader.
