By Nadia Ntiamoah
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has launched a fresh investigation into the operations of the Heaven Way Champion International Church, led by the now-incarcerated televangelist, Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa or Evangelist Mama Pat.
The agency, under the leadership of Raymond Archer, is reportedly moving to shut down the controversial church amid deepening concerns about financial fraud and organized criminal activity disguised as religious practice.
This development comes barely two weeks after a High Court sentenced Agradaa to 15 years in prison with hard labour for defrauding by false pretence and engaging in charlatanic advertisements.
Her conviction marked the climax of a long-running scandal that began in October 2022 when videos of distressed congregants alleging fraud at her church went viral.
According to reports, EOCO’s interest in the church was triggered by a surge in complaints from victims and whistleblowers alleging that Heaven Way Church was used as a front for large-scale scams involving misappropriation of funds and spiritual manipulation.
The EOCO is said to be systematically collecting evidence, with investigators working toward a possible legal and operational shutdown of the church’s activities.
From Preacher to Prisoner: The Rise and Fall
Agradaa, a former fetish priestess turned evangelist, rose to prominence through her television station, Today’s TV, and her frequent, flamboyant spiritual proclamations.
She attracted huge followings both in-person and online, particularly after announcing that she had abandoned idol worship to embrace Christianity.
However, her reputation began to unravel after she invited the public to an all-night service in 2022, during which she promised to “double” congregants’ money using spiritual means.
Thousands reportedly attended, handing over significant amounts of money with expectations of receiving more in return. Instead, they left empty-handed.
The event sparked national outrage and led to her arrest and prosecution on six counts of defrauding by false pretenses.
Despite pleading not guilty and securing bail during the trial, she was ultimately found guilty in July 2025.
The court relied heavily on video evidence and testimonies from multiple victims to reach its verdict.
Church Under New Management — But for How Long?
Following Agradaa’s sentencing, her husband, Evangelist Angel Asiamah, assumed leadership of Heaven Way Champion Church and has since led at least two Sunday services, including prayer sessions for his wife’s release.
In public statements, Asiamah has vehemently defended his wife’s innocence, suggesting that her legal troubles were the result of her outspoken persona and spiritual influence.
“They are tagging her just like they tagged Jesus. It is unfair and harsh,” he said in a recent interview, accusing critics and state actors of persecuting his wife.
Despite his efforts to keep the congregation intact, Asiamah’s leadership may be short-lived.
EOCO’s probe could ultimately dismantle the institution if findings confirm suspicions that the church was a vehicle for systematic financial exploitation.
