Former traditional priestess turned evangelist, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour by an Accra Circuit Court for fraud and charlatanic advertisements.
The court found her guilty of defrauding unsuspecting victims through false religious promises, marking a significant verdict in a case that has drawn widespread public attention. Nana Agradaa’s conviction stems from a 2022 televised broadcast in which she claimed to possess supernatural powers capable of doubling money, luring many into her fraudulent scheme.
The charges against her included charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence after she encouraged viewers to attend an all-night service at her church, Heaven Way Champion International Ministry, in Weija, Accra. She assured worshippers that any money they brought would be miraculously multiplied, leading hundreds to deposit large sums with hopes of financial gain. However, investigations revealed that none of the victims received the promised returns. Court documents showed that at least six complainants, along with over a thousand others, were deceived into travelling from across Ghana to participate in the fraudulent scheme.
Prosecutors established that Nana Agradaa collaborated with others to orchestrate the scam, exploiting the trust of vulnerable individuals under the guise of religious worship. The court described her actions as a deliberate and coordinated effort to deceive the public, emphasizing the severity of her crimes. Before sentencing, judicial procedures required a mandatory pregnancy test, which confirmed she was not pregnant, allowing the court to proceed with the 15-year prison term.
The case has reignited discussions about the exploitation of religion for financial gain and the need for stricter regulations on televised spiritual advertisements. Nana Agradaa’s sentencing serves as a warning to others who may engage in similar fraudulent activities, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable. As she begins her prison term, the verdict has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the court’s decision while others reflect on the broader implications of faith-based exploitation in Ghana.
