Accra: Patricia Asiedua, also known as Nana Agradaa, founder of Heaven Way Champions International Ministry, has been sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment on charges of fraud and engaging in charlatanic advertisements. This was after the court, presided over by Mrs. Evelyn Asamoah, found her guilty on three charges: engaging in charlatanic advertisements, and two counts of defrauding by false pretenses.
According to Ghana News Agency, the sentence was given after Agradaa was asked to undergo a pregnancy test. On the charge of engaging in charlatanic advertisements, Agradaa, also known as Evangelist Mama Pat, was sentenced to a fine of GHC300, and in default, 30 days imprisonment. On the two counts of defrauding by false pretenses, she was ordered to serve 15 years' imprisonment on each count, with the sentences set to run concurrently. Two other charges were dismissed by the court.
The trial judge noted that Agradaa had not shown any remorse during the trial, while consideration was given to the prevalence of the offenses. Defence counsels informed journalists that they would file an appeal by Monday against the sentence, which they described as too harsh. Mr. Richard Asare Baffour, one of Agradaa's lawyers, earlier appealed to the court for leniency, requesting a non-custodial sentence due to her being a mother of five.
Mr. Baffour argued that imposing a custodial sentence would result in untold hardship on Agradaa's children. He emphasized that Agradaa had been present throughout the trial, demonstrating her commitment to the legal process. The defence also highlighted that the first charge of engaging in charlatanic advertisements was a misdemeanor, and Agradaa was a first-time offender.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Haligah informed the court of the increase in charlatanic advertisements and their impact on victims. He noted Agradaa's lack of remorse despite a previous conviction by another Circuit Court in 2021, where she was fined GHC10,000, and in default, served nine months in prison. ASP Haligah urged the court to hand down a deterrent sentence to prevent others from engaging in similar activities.
The facts presented to the court revealed that on October 10, 2022, complainants reported to the Police that Agradaa had demanded and received various sums of money from them under the pretext of providing them with larger sums in return. Following the reports, police investigations led to Agradaa's arrest.
Prosecution stated that investigations showed Agradaa advertised on Today's TV and other social media platforms on October 5, 2022, claiming she was organizing an all-night service on October 7, at Heaven Way Champions International Ministry. During the service, she promised to distribute GHC300,000 to attendees needing money for business or rent, encouraging participation through advertisements.
During the service, Agradaa instructed the congregation to form groups of 20, with each member required to pay starting from GHC1,000. She promised that some groups would receive GHC50,000, others GHC40,000, and some GHC25,000. Despite collecting these sums, Agradaa failed to fulfill her promise, leaving complainants stranded.
Investigations revealed Agradaa conducted the charlatanic advertisements intending to defraud the unsuspecting complainants. The court heard that Agradaa admitted to the complainants' assertions as correct.
