Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, a former traditional priestess turned evangelist, has been released from prison after serving nine months, being two-thirds of her one-year custodial sentence in accordance with Ghana’s standard remission regulations.
She was originally handed a 15-year jail term for defrauding by false pretence and for charlatanic advertisements, which was later revised to a one-year term.
Her release follows the application of the country’s remission scheme. Under Ghanaian law, eligible inmates may receive a reduction of up to one-third of their sentence on the grounds of good behaviour while in custody.
Speaking after regaining her freedom, Nana Agradaa recounted the fear and uncertainty she experienced on her way to prison. She said she felt overwhelmed and unsure of what awaited her behind bars.
“On my way, I felt I might die in prison,” she said in Twi. “When I reached the prison gate, the only thing I could say was, ‘God, I surrender myself to You,’ because I did not know what awaited me inside. I asked Him to have mercy, held my Bible tightly, and walked in.”
She admitted that being handed a 15-year sentence was deeply distressing, and according to her, she struggled to comprehend the severity of the punishment and questioned how events had unfolded to that point. However, she said she ultimately turned to prayer and scripture for strength.
During her time in custody, Nana Agradaa said she reflected extensively on biblical accounts of imprisonment and divine intervention. She cited passages from the Book of Acts, including the imprisonment and eventual release of Peter, as well as the story of Paul and Silas. She also referred to Jonah and King Nebuchadnezzar, describing how both faced consequences but were later restored after repentance.
The initial 15‑year sentence with hard labour drew widespread public debate.
According to her, she made a solemn promise to God: that if He performed for her the same acts of mercy and deliverance He granted to those figures in Scripture, she would commit herself fully to His service.
Background: Case and Sentence Reduction
Agradaa was convicted on July 3, 2025, by an Accra Circuit Court on multiple charges, including charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence, linked to her promotion of a so‑called money‑doubling scheme at the services of her Heaven Way Champion International Ministry in Weija, Greater Accra Region.
In that broadcast‑style service, she was accused of promising miraculous financial returns in exchange for money paid by congregants, promises that did not materialise and led to complaints from participants.
However, on February 5, the Amasaman High Court upheld her conviction but reviewed the punishment, ruling that the original sentence was excessive and disproportionate under the circumstances.
The High Court reduced her prison term to 12 months and imposed a fine of 200 penalty units (equivalent to about GH¢2,400).
