Court jails Agradaa 15yrs with hard labour over fraud

The Founder and Leader of Heaven Way Church, Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour for defrauding members of her congregation through a money-doubling scam.

The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, found her guilty of defrauding by false pretence and engaging in charlatanic advertisement.

According to the prosecution, Nana Agradaa invited members of her church to an all-night service at her Weija branch in Accra, promising to double any money they contributed.

Several congregants, lured by the promise of quick riches, handed over large sums of money, only to be deceived.

Ahead of sentencing, the court ordered a mandatory pregnancy test as required by law, which confirmed that she was not pregnant, clearing the way for the custodial sentence.

During the proceedings, Nana Agradaa’s lawyer, Richard Baffour, pleaded for leniency, citing her responsibilities as a mother of five children.

He explained that her first child, aged 24, is currently studying law at the university, and the youngest, just three years old, still needs the care and attention of their mother.

“…We say so because the accused person is a mother of five, the first born is 24 years currently pursuing law in the university. A custodial sentence May shutter the dream of this young lady who wants to be a lawyer. The last born is just three years old and will need the care and attention of the mother,” the lawyer told the court.

But the judge, while acknowledging the plea, maintained that Nana Agradaa’s actions were deliberate and exploitative, stressing that such conduct under the guise of religion cannot be condoned.

The former traditional priestess, who rebranded herself as a Christian evangelist, has been a controversial figure for years, with multiple allegations of fraudulent activities linked to her religious work.

Her sentencing has reignited public debate about religious scams and the need for stricter oversight of faith-based organizations in Ghana.