The Accra Circuit Court has sentenced controversial evangelist and former traditional priestess Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, to 15 years in prison following her conviction for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.

The court found that Nana Agradaa deceived members of the public through a 2022 televised broadcast, where she claimed to possess spiritual powers capable of doubling money.

Lured by the promise of instant wealth, multiple victims parted with significant sums of money — only to discover the claims were a sham.

A Blow to Fraudulent Religious Practices


The case, which has drawn national attention, underscores the growing crackdown on deceptive religious and spiritual schemes that exploit vulnerable individuals.

The court described her actions as intentional and fraudulent, designed to prey on people’s desperation for financial relief.

According to court findings, Nana Agradaa used her TV station, Today-TV, and social media platforms to broadcast messages promising to "double" any money given to her during an all-night service.

Six individuals—backed by accounts of over a thousand others—fell prey to the scheme, traveling from far and wide to attend the church service in hopes of receiving miraculous financial returns.

However, after handing over various amounts of money, none of the victims received the promised multiplied cash. Prosecutors stated that Agradaa, along with others, orchestrated the deceptive campaign and collected substantial sums from unsuspecting attendees.

Investigations confirmed that the fraudulent advertisements and money-taking spree were part of a calculated ploy rather than a divine blessing.

Before sentencing, the court followed standard judicial procedures by ordering a mandatory pregnancy test — which confirmed Nana Agradaa was not pregnant, clearing the way for sentencing.

Background


Nana Agradaa rose to national prominence as a self-styled priestess known for her bold television ads, claiming supernatural powers to solve financial and personal problems.

After claiming to have repented in 2021, she rebranded herself as a Christian evangelist, launching a new church and attracting a large following. However, critics argued her transition was merely a façade.

Legal and Public Response


Legal experts and anti-fraud advocates have welcomed the ruling, describing it as a landmark case in the fight against spiritual fraud.

The sentence is seen as a warning to other self-proclaimed spiritual leaders who exploit public trust for personal gain.

This conviction may also prompt closer regulation of religious broadcasts and calls for improved public education to reduce the impact of such deceptive practices.