By Grace Zigah
The Amasaman High Court has declined to grant bail to controversial religious figure, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, widely known as Nana Agradaa, pending the outcome of her appeal against a 15-year prison sentence for fraud and deceptive religious practices.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, marks another legal blow for the self-styled evangelist and former traditional priestess, who was convicted earlier this month for defrauding members of the public through false pretence and charlatanic advertisement.
Her legal team, led by Dr. Bernard Kofi Asamoah, had filed an application seeking her release on bail while her appeal is being heard.
However, the High Court, presided over by Justice Afia Owusua Appiah, refused the application and instead directed the Circuit Court to furnish it with all official records and proceedings related to the case.
“We requested bail pending appeal, but the court did not grant it,” Dr. Asamoah told journalists in an interview shortly after the ruling.
“The judge has instructed that the Circuit Court submit all relevant documentation to facilitate the appellate process. We will continue to pursue justice through the appeal.”
Background to the Conviction
Nana Agradaa, once a notorious traditional spiritualist turned Christian evangelist, was convicted by the Circuit Court on July 3, 2025, following a lengthy trial that gripped the public’s attention.
The case stemmed from a widely publicised incident in which she was accused of deceiving members of her congregation into handing over large sums of money under the pretext of receiving financial blessings or returns—popularly referred to as “money doubling.”
Presiding judge Justice Evelyn Asamoah found her guilty on multiple counts of defrauding by false pretence and advertising services deemed deceptive under the criminal laws.
She was subsequently handed a 15-year custodial sentence with hard labour, sparking mixed reactions among the public and legal commentators.
Legal Challenge in Motion
Shortly after her sentencing, Agradaa’s legal team filed a notice of appeal at the High Court, alleging that the original trial was flawed and that the verdict was unjust.
On July 7, her lead counsel, Richard Asare Baffour, confirmed that a formal petition had been submitted to overturn both the conviction and the sentence.
The lawyers argue that there were procedural irregularities and evidential gaps during the trial, and maintain that their client was not granted a fair hearing.
As part of their legal strategy, they filed for bail pending the appeal—a standard procedure aimed at preventing undue hardship during prolonged appellate processes.
However, Tuesday’s ruling means Agradaa will remain behind bars at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison while the appeal runs its full course.
Public and Legal Reactions
Nana Agradaa’s case has sparked renewed national conversations around religious fraud, spiritual exploitation, and the legal boundaries of faith-based entrepreneurship.
While some critics believe the sentence serves as a necessary warning to self-proclaimed prophets and spiritual leaders who exploit vulnerable followers, her supporters claim the punishment is excessive and politically motivated.
