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Former Priestess-Evangelist Nana Agradaa Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

Nana Agradaa Jailed 15 Years for Money Doubling Scam

Controversial former priestess turned self-styled evangelist, Patricia Asiedua, widely known as Nana Agradaa, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Accra Circuit Court for her role in a high-profile money-doubling scam that defrauded multiple individuals of thousands of Ghana cedis.

The court, presided over by Her Honour Mrs. Evelyn Asamoah, found Agradaa guilty on multiple counts of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretences. Her sentencing brings to a close nearly three years of investigations, public outrage, and legal proceedings.

The case stems from a televised promotional broadcast in 2022, during which Nana Agradaa—then the leader of the Heaven Way Champion International Ministry—invited the public to her church with promises of “doubling money” using her supposed spiritual powers. The program, which aired on various media platforms, featured persuasive testimonials, dramatic spiritual claims, and carefully edited footage, all designed to lure desperate individuals seeking financial breakthroughs.

Following the program, dozens of unsuspecting individuals flocked to her church located at Weija, Accra, where they handed over large sums of money in hopes of receiving double in return. According to the victims, after parting with their cash, they were either driven away or blocked from accessing the church premises again.

The case was prosecuted by state attorneys in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service. After months of legal proceedings, the court determined that the evangelist had:
• Intentionally used false spiritual claims to mislead the public.
• Collected money from victims under pretences she knew to be false.
• Engaged in repeated charlatanic advertising that directly violated the laws of Ghana.

Before sentencing, the court ordered a mandatory pregnancy test, as required by Ghanaian law for all convicted women prior to imprisonment. The results showed she was not pregnant, and thus, sentencing proceeded without delay.

Nana Agradaa was sentenced to:
10 years imprisonment for defrauding by false pretences, and
5 years imprisonment for charlatanic advertisement.
The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 15-year jail term.

The sentencing has been widely welcomed by the public and civil society groups who have long demanded stronger action against fraudulent religious and spiritual leaders. Social media erupted with reactions, with many calling the ruling a wake-up call for both law enforcement and the public.

Victims who were present in court reportedly expressed relief and satisfaction, stating that justice had finally been served after months of emotional and financial distress.

This is not the first time Nana Agradaa has been in legal trouble. Prior to her switch from traditional priesthood to Christianity, she was arrested in 2021 for similar charges. She claimed to have turned over a new leaf, converting to Christianity and establishing a church. However, her controversial “money-doubling” claims soon resurfaced, leading to renewed public concern and eventual legal action.

The Agradaa case highlights the growing tension between spiritual freedom and consumer protection in Ghana’s religious landscape. Authorities have cautioned the public to be vigilant and report any similar fraudulent activities.

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