An Amasaman High Court has reduced the prison sentence of evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, from 15 years to 12 months after partially upholding an appeal against her conviction for defrauding by false pretence and charlatanic advertisement.
The decision overturns the earlier sentence imposed by a Circuit Court, which had convicted the controversial religious figure following complaints from members of the public who claimed they were deceived during a televised religious programme.
Appeal
Delivering his ruling, H/L. SOLOMON OPPONG-TWUMASI (J) of the High Court maintained the conviction but held that the original custodial sentence was excessive under the circumstances.
The court therefore substituted the 15-year jail term with a reduced one-year sentence.
Agradaa’s legal team had argued that the punishment handed down by the trial court was disproportionate, urging the appellate court to review the sentence while acknowledging the court’s findings on the substantive offences.
Background
The conviction stemmed from a televised broadcast in which Agradaa invited the public to attend an all-night service, promising to “double” money brought to the event. Several participants later reported losing their money, prompting investigations that led to her arrest and prosecution.
The case attracted significant public interest because of Agradaa’s transition from a traditional priestess to a Christian evangelist, as well as the broader concerns about fraudulent spiritual schemes.
Public and Legal Debate
The High Court’s ruling has sparked renewed discussion about sentencing standards and the regulation of religious activities involving financial promises to worshippers.
Legal observers say the judgment demonstrates the appellate court’s role in ensuring that sentences imposed by lower courts are fair and proportionate, while still upholding convictions where evidence supports the findings of guilt.
