BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Award-winning Ghanaian singer Efya has sparked fresh debate on social media after reacting to a viral video from a church service led by controversial televangelist Nana Agradaa, just days after the preacher’s release from prison.
Agradaa, whose real name is Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, regained her freedom on March 3, 2026, after serving part of a revised custodial sentence.
Her return to religious activities at her Heaven Way Champion International Ministry has quickly reignited public discussion about her past legal troubles and whether she has genuinely changed.
The renewed controversy followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a congregant at one of Agradaa’s church services appearing overwhelmed during prayer and rolling on the floor while others around described the moment as an act of spiritual anointing.
Reacting to the footage, Efya openly expressed skepticism about the development, suggesting that the preacher might not have undergone the transformation some supporters claim.
In a brief but pointed reaction online, the singer wrote: “She’s fitting to do it to y’all again and again… we gon see..!!” — a comment that quickly gained traction and fueled intense debate among social media users.
Background To Agradaa’s Conviction
Agradaa’s return to public life follows a highly publicised legal battle that began in 2025. On July 3, 2025, she was convicted by an Accra Circuit Court on charges including charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.
Prosecutors argued that she used televised broadcasts and church services to promote a controversial “money-doubling” scheme, promising congregants miraculous financial returns after making monetary offerings.
The trial court initially handed the preacher a 15-year prison sentence with hard labour, a decision that sparked widespread national debate about religious accountability and the severity of the punishment.
However, on February 5, 2026, the Amasaman High Court reviewed the case after an appeal by her legal team. While the court upheld her conviction, it ruled that the original sentence was harsh and excessive, reducing the prison term to 12 months.
In addition to the reduced sentence, Agradaa was fined 200 penalty units (approximately GH¢2,400) and ordered to refund GH¢1,000 to two complainants, along with fines imposed earlier under other counts.
Because the revised sentence was backdated to July 3, 2025, the date of her conviction, the preacher became eligible for release after serving the required portion of the sentence under Ghana’s remission rules.
Renewed Scrutiny After Release
Following her release, Agradaa quickly returned to leading services at her church, a move that has divided public opinion. While some supporters have welcomed her return and described her imprisonment as a period of spiritual reflection and transformation, critics remain sceptical and continue to scrutinise her actions closely.
Efya’s reaction has amplified the ongoing discussion, reflecting a broader sentiment among sections of the public who believe Agradaa must demonstrate genuine change before regaining widespread trust.
Others, however, argue that having served her sentence under the law, the preacher deserves the opportunity to rebuild her life and ministry without constant public condemnation.
Social Media Debate Intensifies
The viral video and Efya’s reaction have since triggered widespread conversations online, with many Ghanaians debating issues of accountability, religious influence, and the role of public figures in shaping public perception.
