Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, sometimes known as Nana Agradaa, a former traditional priestess turned evangelist, has been freed from jail after serving nine months, or two-thirds of her one-year custodial sentence, in accordance with Ghana’s standard remission rules. She was initially sentenced to 15 years in jail for defrauding by false pretenses and charlatanic advertising, but the sentence was eventually lowered to one year.
Her release is in accordance with the country’s remission programme. According to Ghanaian legislation, qualifying convicts may get up to one-third reduction in their sentence for excellent behaviour while incarcerated. Nana Agradaa spoke after being released, describing the terror and uncertainty she felt as she went to jail. She admitted that she felt overwhelmed and uncertain about what awaited her in jail.
“On my way, I believed I might die in prison,” she said in Twi. “When I approached the jail gate, the only thing I could say was, ‘God, I give myself to you,’ because I had no idea what awaited me inside. I prayed for mercy, clutched my Bible, and walked in. “She confessed that receiving a 15-year sentence was quite distressing, and she struggled to grasp the harshness of the penalty, wondering how things had escalated to that point. However, she admitted that she eventually turned to prayer and scripture for solace.
Nana Agradaa stated that during her time in detention, she thought deeply on biblical stories of captivity and divine intervention. She quoted passages from the Book of Acts, including Peter’s incarceration and subsequent release, as well as the tale of Paul and Silas. She also mentioned Jonah and King Nebuchadnezzar, explaining how both suffered repercussions but were then restored after repenting.
The initial 15-year sentence with severe labour sparked considerable public outrage. She said that she made a sincere vow to God, promising that if He performed the same acts of mercy and salvation for her as He had for the individuals in scripture, she would devote herself completely to His service.
Background: Case and Sentence Reduction
Agradaa was convicted on several counts on July 3, 2025, by an Accra Circuit Court, including charlatanic advertising and fraud by false pretence, in connection with her promotion of a so-called money-doubling scheme at the services of her Heaven Way Champion International Ministry in Weija, Greater Accra Region.
She was accused of promising amazing monetary returns in return for donations from churchgoers in that broadcast-style service, claims that did not come true and prompted complaints from attendees.
However, on February 5, the Amasaman High Court affirmed her conviction while revising the punishment, finding that the original sentence was severe and disproportionate in the circumstances. The High Court reduced her jail sentence to 12 months and assessed a fine of 200 penalty units (approximately GHC2,400).
Source: myjoyonline.com
