Lawyers for Ghanaian evangelist and former traditional priestess, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah—widely known as Nana Agradaa—have officially filed a notice of appeal challenging her recent 15-year prison sentence.
Agradaa was convicted by Her Honour Justice Evelyn Asamoah at Circuit Court 10 in Accra on July 3, after being found guilty of two counts of defrauding by false pretence and one count of charlatanic advertisement. The ruling followed a protracted legal battle stemming from allegations that she collected money from congregants under false promises of financial multiplication.
However, her legal team maintains that the conviction was unfounded and unjust. Speaking to Citi News on July 7, lead counsel Richard Asare Baffour confirmed that an appeal had been filed at the High Court to challenge both the conviction and the 15-year custodial sentence.
“We filed the petition of appeal this morning because the judgment delivered by the court is so unreasonable, and the evidence on record does not support it,” Baffour stated.
According to Baffour, the appeal highlights several points of concern, including alleged judicial bias and procedural irregularities during the trial.
“We are saying that the judge demonstrated manifest bias by harassing and intimidating the accused. We are convinced that our client did not receive a fair trial,” he said.
In addition to appealing the conviction, Agradaa’s legal team is preparing to file a bail application in the coming days to seek her temporary release while the appeal process is underway.
Agradaa’s sentencing attracted national attention due to her controversial public persona and previous run-ins with the law. The 15-year sentence, while concurrent, was seen by some as a strong message against fraudulent religious practices. She was also fined GH¢300 for the charge of charlatanic advertisement, with a 30-day jail term to be added if the fine remains unpaid.
During sentencing, the court dismissed pleas for leniency from her lawyers, who had cited Agradaa’s role as a mother of five, including a three-year-old child and a 24-year-old law student. Despite arguing that she showed remorse, maintained good conduct, and endured a lengthy legal process, the judge insisted the gravity of the offence warranted custodial punishment.
The prosecution, led by ASP Emmanuel Haligah, had urged the court to impose a stiff sentence due to Agradaa’s repeat offences and the need to deter similar conduct within spiritual circles.
As the appeal process unfolds, public interest remains high, with many closely watching whether the High Court will uphold, reduce, or overturn the controversial ruling. Agradaa’s team remains hopeful that their arguments will prompt a reassessment of both the trial and the verdict.
