An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, to 15 years in prison after convicting her on charges of defrauding by false pretences and engaging in charlatanic advertisements.
Before the sentence was handed down, counsel for the accused, Richard Asare Baffour, mounted a passionate plea for mercy. “We humbly approach your mercy seat on unbended knees and pray that you temper justice with mercy and admit the accused to a non-custodial sentence,” he told the court presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah.
Mr. Baffour described the convicted person as a mother of five children, the eldest of whom is 24 years old and studying law at the university, and the youngest, just three years old, who depends entirely on her care. “A custodial sentence, my lady, will shatter the dreams of her daughter and disrupt the lives of all five children,” he argued.
He added that since the case was first called in 2022, the accused had been consistently present in court and had demonstrated remorse by avoiding any further actions that could bring her into conflict with the law. “She is a first-time offender in this matter, and her conduct throughout the proceedings has shown a willingness to reform,” he stressed. “She has suffered enough through the trial process over the last three years, which in itself has been a form of punishment.”
The defence also emphasized Agradaa’s role as a spiritual leader with a large following, noting that her absence would deeply affect her congregation. “Most of her church members rely on her. A custodial sentence will have a huge impact not only on her family but on the community she leads,” counsel added.
But the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Haligah, assisted by ASP Issah and ASP Amoah, urged the court to impose a harsher sentence. They highlighted several aggravating factors, including the premeditated nature of the crime and the increasing prevalence of charlatanic advertisements used to defraud the public.
ASP Haligah pointed out that Agradaa is not a first-time offender. “She was previously convicted in 2021 by this same court and fined GH¢10,000, with a default sentence of nine months’ imprisonment.
That sentence, evidently, did not serve as a deterrent,” he said. “Barely a year after that conviction, she was once again before the court on similar charges.”
According to the prosecution, Agradaa’s repeated offences indicated that she had not learned from the past. “We are urging the court to impose a sentence that not only fits the gravity of the crime but sends a strong message to others involved in such fraudulent practices,” ASP Haligah stated. “This case must not only punish, but also deter.”
Delivering her judgment, Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah rejected the defence’s plea for a non-custodial sentence, stating that the accused failed to demonstrate genuine remorse. Agradaa was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined, with a 30-day default imprisonment in case of non-payment.
Prior to sentencing, the court had also ordered the police to conduct a pregnancy test on Agradaa, founder of the Heaven Way Church, pending final conviction. When Republic Press reporters arrived at the court premises ahead of judgment, her husband, Angel Asiamah, was seen anxiously making phone calls.
The trial, which began in October 2022, has drawn national attention, with the controversial self-styled evangelist previously accused of swindling scores of victims through dubious televised promotions.
