Lawyer for Patricia Asiedua, Richard Asare Baffour

Richard Asare Baffour, lawyer for repented popular Ghanaian former fetish priestess evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has described her 15-year prison sentence as excessive and unjust, arguing that the decision was influenced by public pressure rather than evidence.

Speaking to the media after the Accra Circuit Court handed down the sentence, Agradaa’s legal counsel, Richard Asare Baffour, claimed that Ghanaians have long desired to see his client behind bars due to her controversial past and outspoken nature.

“The woman has become hated because she has stepped on many toes, and they wanted to punish her. So, what Ghanaians were looking for, they have gotten it. But the circuit court has spoken, and we will go to a higher court to appeal,” Baffour said.

The legal team condemned the ruling, insisting that the 15-year sentence was not based on the facts of the case but rather on public sentiment.

They pointed out that the amount involved in the alleged fraud GH¢540 did not warrant such a harsh punishment.

“Even the amount involved is just GH¢540. How can someone be convicted for 15 years over an alleged fraud of that value? Agradaa has been jailed not because of what she did, but because of who she is,” the lawyer emphasised.

The founder of Heaven Way International Church was convicted of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretences.

Presiding judge Justice Evelyn Asamoah passed the judgment after a pregnancy test confirmed that Agradaa was not pregnant, clearing the way for sentencing.

Despite the verdict, Agradaa’s lawyers maintain that their client cooperated fully with the legal process and showed no behaviour warranting a heavier sentence.

“From day one, she has always appeared before the court. These sentences are passed simply to appease public sentiment because of who she is, not because of the facts or evidence presented.

“It shows signs of a premeditated decision,” the legal team argued.

Agradaa’s legal team has announced plans to file an appeal on Monday, July 7, 2025, in an effort to overturn the ruling.

“We believe that the 15-year sentence is too excessive. We are confident that a higher court will see the injustice in this decision,” the lawyer said.

AM/KA

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