Amasaman High Court reduces Nana Agradaa’s prison sentence to 12 months

The Amasaman High Court has reduced the prison sentence of controversial evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, to 12 calendar months following an appeal by her legal team.

The decision follows her challenge to an earlier conviction and sentence that sparked widespread public debate. Nana Agradaa was originally sentenced by an Accra Circuit Court to 15 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after being convicted of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretences.

The charges were linked to televised church services and social media broadcasts in which she claimed to have spiritual powers to “double” money brought to her by followers. Several victims later complained that they were deceived after handing over cash without receiving the promised financial returns.

In her appeal, counsel for Nana Agradaa argued that the 15-year sentence was harsh, excessive, and disproportionate to the offences. The High Court upheld the conviction but agreed that the sentence was unduly severe, reducing it to a one-year custodial term.

The ruling has attracted mixed reactions from the public. While some supporters have welcomed the reduction as an opportunity for rehabilitation, critics argue that the punishment should reflect the gravity of exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of religious practice.

Nana Agradaa, a former traditional priestess who later became a Christian evangelist, remains a polarising figure in Ghana’s religious and media space. The case has renewed calls for stricter oversight of religious activities and greater protection for the public against fraudulent spiritual claims.

With the appeal concluded, focus now turns to the enforcement of the revised sentence and its implications for her life and activities after serving the term.

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