Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, widely known as Nana Agradaa, a former traditional priestess turned evangelist, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour by the Accra Circuit Court on July 3, 2025. This landmark verdict follows her conviction for charlatanic advertisement and obtaining money by false pretences, marking a significant moment in Ghana’s efforts to curb fraudulent spiritual schemes  .

The Scam That Shook the Nation

Agradaa was convicted for a 2022 televised money-doubling scheme, where she invited viewers to bring cash to her church for it to be magically doubled. During one broadcast, she displayed bundles of GH₵300,000 and promised to share them with attendees. Worshippers were instructed to form groups and contribute between GH₵900 and GH₵1,000 each, with promises of large returns of up to GH₵50,000 per group  .

However, after collecting the money—including a GH₵540 sum central to the case—participants were left empty-handed when she allegedly absconded, locking church doors and preventing withdrawal.

The Court Found Her Guilty

Presiding Judge Evelyn Asamoah upheld the prosecution’s evidence, convicting Agradaa on two counts of defrauding by false pretences and one count of charlatanic advertisement. Before sentencing, a standard pregnancy test was conducted to clear procedural delays  .

Agradaa was fined GH₵300 on the propaganda charge, with an additional 30-day sentence if unpaid. The full 15-year term was imposed for the two fraud charges, described as a major legal turning point in the regulation of dishonest religious claims.

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Reaction from Agradaa and Her Family

In a show of resilience, Agradaa urged her church members to remain steadfast in their faith, assuring them of her spiritual presence despite incarceration  . A video circulating online captured her tearful exit from court, escorted by police under tight security  .

Her husband, Pastor Eric Oduro Asiamah, defended the practice as a typical church-offertory activity, denouncing the sentence as unfair. He emphasized that giving money in church is part of worship and encouraged members to continue their spiritual journey  .

Lawyer Calls Judgment Unjust — Plans to Appeal

Agradaa’s seasoned lawyer, Richard Asare-Baffour, condemned the sentence as disproportionate and rooted in her public persona rather than evidence. He disclosed intentions to file an appeal in the High Court, citing procedural flaws such as forced defense despite acquittal on two charges  .

The lawyer pointed out that the charge centred on GH₵540, arguing a 15-year sentence for such an amount is outrageous. He pleaded for justice based on law—not notoriety—and underscored plans to file an appeal on Monday, July 8  .

Broader Significance for Ghanaian Society

The verdict sends a clear message about Ghana’s commitment to curbing spiritual fraud and false religious advertising. Legal experts say this could act as a deterrent, urging stricter oversight of televangelism and religious claims.

Critics, however, warn against potential bias, urging that justice remains grounded in due process and factual evidence—not public image ().

What Happens Next

• Agradaa begins serving her sentence immediately unless a stay of execution is granted pending appeal  .
• Her appeal, expected early next week, will challenge both the severity of the sentence and the procedural irregularities raised by her legal team.
• The case will likely continue to generate debate around religious freedom versus consumer protection and the rule of law in Ghana.