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The Accra Circuit Court has convicted self-styled evangelist and former fetish priestess, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.
The conviction follows months of legal proceedings over a high-profile case in which the controversial religious figure was accused of deceiving members of the public through a fraudulent money-doubling scheme.
Conviction and Legal Background
The court, presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, found Nana Agradaa guilty of promoting deceptive claims on television and social media, where she assured viewers that she had the spiritual capacity to double their money. Victims were lured to her “Heaven Way Church” in Weija under false promises of instant financial miracles.
Several individuals testified that they were compelled to surrender large sums of money during a widely publicized “spiritual event” in 2022, which turned out to be a scam. Prosecutors argued that the conduct of the accused amounted to premeditated fraud, orchestrated under the guise of religious faith and spiritual direction.
Pregnancy Test Ordered Before Sentencing
Although the court has delivered its verdict, final sentencing has been postponed pending the results of a mandatory pregnancy test, a legal requirement under Ghanaian law for female convicts of reproductive age.
The test will determine the exact nature of the sentencing. However, legal experts suggest that if found not pregnant, Nana Agradaa could face up to 15 years in prison with hard labour, a sentence that reflects the gravity of her actions and the need for deterrence in cases involving spiritual and financial fraud.
Public and Legal Reactions
The case has sparked widespread national debate on the rise of self-proclaimed prophets and spiritualists who exploit the vulnerable under religious pretenses. Civil society groups have welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for justice and a warning to others engaging in similar fraudulent activities.
Legal analysts have also hailed the court’s decision as a landmark judgment that reinforces the need to regulate spiritual practices, especially those that involve monetary exchange for so-called miracles.
What’s Next?
The court is expected to reconvene shortly after the results of the pregnancy test are made available. Nana Agradaa remains in lawful custody while awaiting the sentencing phase.
Authorities say this conviction is part of a broader effort to clamp down on financial scams and spiritual deception that have plagued Ghana’s religious and social media landscapes in recent years.
Background
Nana Agradaa, who gained notoriety as a fetish priestess before converting to Christianity, has faced multiple allegations over the years for questionable practices. Her 2022 arrest by the Ghana Police followed public uproar after several victims accused her of duping them in a televised “money-doubling” scheme.
