Nana Agradaa
The 15-year jail term handed to self-styled Evangelist, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah aka Nana Agradaa for defrauding by false pretences, has generated debate on both mainstream and social media, with the public split over the court’s decision.
While some are calling the sentencing excessive, there are others who are of the view that it sends a strong message to those with similar intentions.
Some are even calling for a review of the law to take away the powers of the Circuit Court to be able to hand down such heavy prison sentences. They say such powers should only be vested in the Superior Courts.
The court’s decision has nonetheless set a precedent to those who may hide behind spiritual predictions and promises to dupe others.
The jail term is also supported by the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), specifically Sections 131 and 132 which deal with defrauding by false pretences, prescribes 10 years as the minimum and 25 years as the maximum for anyone found guilty of the offence.
Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah found that Agradaa’s actions were calculated, while highlighting the need to set deterrent to others.
This is not the first time Nana Agradaa has been found guilty of charlatanic advertisement. In October 2022, a Circuit Court in Accra fined her an amount of GH¢36,000.
God’s Mission
While the public continues to debate the sentencing, her husband, Eric Oduro Asiamah believes the court’s decision has a spiritual connotation, declaring that God has sent Nana Agradaa on a mission to spread the gospel in prison.
He declared during a sermon yesterday that, just like all the Prophets who were sent by God to spread the gospel, Nana Agradaa will come back stronger, no matter how long it takes.
“This has happened to Prophets in the past, so, if it is our turn now, is it surprising? Glory be to God,” Asiamah told the sober congregation.
Sentence
A Circuit Court in Accra last Thursday sentenced Agradaa to 15 years’ imprisonment in hard labour for defrauding by false pretences.
This stems from charges brought against her in 2022 for defrauding some members of the public after she successfully deceived them that she was going to share GH¢300,000 during an all-night service at Heaven Way Champion International Ministry, a church she founded.
Prior to her sentencing, the court ordered a pregnancy test to be conducted on her and the test returned a negative result, leading the court to sentence her to 15 years’ imprisonment in hard labour.
Her lawyer, Richard Asare Baffour, said he will appeal the decision which he believes was not backed by the facts of the case but by public sentiment.
“The woman has become hated because she has stepped on many toes, and they wanted to punish her. So, what Ghanaians were looking for, they have gotten it. But the Circuit Court has spoken, and we will go to a higher court to appeal,” he indicated.
Desperate Complainants
She had advertised on her television channel that she had powers to double money, and this attracted hundreds of desperate Ghanaians from all walks life to her church looking for a quick cashout.
It turned out that it was just a ruse to deceive unsuspecting individuals who made their way to the so-called church service.
Those who attended the service, including the complainants in the matter, were divided into groups and were made to contribute various sums of monies with the promise that they would be given multiples of what they contributed.
The complainants, who were convinced, did contribute various amounts of money which Agradaa took but failed to honour her promise.
At the end of the church service, the complainants were left stranded while Nana Agradaa walked away with her booty.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak