Former traditional priestess-turned-evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, widely known as Nana Agradaa, has been released from Nsawam Prison after serving eight months in custody, following a review of her initial 15-year prison sentence.
Her release comes after the Amasaman High Court reduced the original term to 12 calendar months, describing the earlier punishment as excessive. In line with Ghana’s remission rules, she was freed after serving two-thirds of the revised sentence.
Nana Agradaa was originally sentenced on July 3, 2025, by an Accra Circuit Court to 15 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty on multiple counts of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.
The conviction stemmed from a televised broadcast in October 2022, during which she claimed to possess spiritual powers capable of doubling money. The claims were aired on her Today-TV channel and other social media platforms, where she displayed bundles of cash and announced plans to distribute GH¢300,000 to individuals seeking financial support for their businesses or rent.
She invited members of the public to attend an all-night service at her church, Heaven Way Champion International Ministry at Weija in Accra, assuring them that any money offered would be doubled.
According to the prosecution, the advertisement prompted six complainants and more than a thousand others to travel from various parts of the country to attend the service on October 7, 2022.
During the programme, she allegedly directed congregants to form groups of 20, with each member required to contribute amounts starting from GH¢1,000 and below. She reportedly promised that the first group, if each person paid GH¢1,000, would receive GH¢50,000 to share. Subsequent groups were asked to pay GH¢900 with a promise of GH¢40,000, while a group of 19 was assured GH¢25,000 to share.
“Based upon this representation, the complainants parted with various sums of money,” the prosecution stated.
However, after collecting the monies, she failed to fulfil her promises and allegedly left the congregants stranded at the church premises.
Investigations established that the scheme was a deliberate and coordinated attempt to defraud vulnerable members of the public under the guise of a religious ritual. Prosecutors told the court that she collaborated with others to execute the fraudulent operation.
On October 10, 2022, the complainants formally reported the matter to the police, leading to her arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Before sentencing in July 2025, the court ordered a mandatory pregnancy test in accordance with Ghanaian judicial procedures for female convicts. The test confirmed she was not pregnant, allowing sentencing to proceed.
Following her conviction, her legal team challenged the ruling, arguing that the 15-year sentence was unduly harsh. Upon review, the Amasaman High Court reduced the sentence to 12 months, paving the way for her release after serving the required portion of the revised term.
She has since reunited with her husband and family. Confirming her return home in a Facebook post on Tuesday, March 3, her husband, Angel Asiamah wrote, “Thank God my wife is finally home.”
Nana Agradaa is also expected to meet members of her church for fellowship later in the day.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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