Richard Asare Baffour, the lawyer for a former traditional priestess turned evangelist, Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, has quibbled over how his client could be jailed for 15 years over an alleged fraud of GH¢540.
Speaking to the media, Richard Asare Baffour stated, “We will trigger the appeal process on Monday. We believe that the 15-year sentence is too excessive. Even the amount involved is just GH¢540.
How can someone be convicted for 15 years over an alleged fraud of GH¢540?
Agradaa has been jailed not because of what she did, but because of who she is,” they argued.
Her lawyers also rejected suggestions that Agradaa’s courtroom behaviour may have influenced the sentencing, insisting that she had fully cooperated with the legal process.
“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,” they stated.
His comments come after Agradaa was sentenced by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah of the Circuit Court, 10 to 15 years in prison.
She was sentenced for two counts of defrauding by false pretences. Agradaa was also fined GH¢300 for one count of charlatanic advertisement, with a 30-day custodial sentence in default of payment.
Reports suggest the charges stem from a televised advertisement she aired in 2022.
In the ad, Agradaa claimed she possessed the power to double the money for her congregants at the Godsway International Heaven Church, misleading them into surrendering their money during an all-night church service at her Weija-based ministry in Accra.
Nana Agradaa was earlier taken to the hospital for a pregnancy test before the Judge sentences her.
She has since been sentenced to jail for 15 years with hard labour.
The Judge, Evelyn Asamoah, stated that Agradaa skilfully executed the offences and did not show remorse.
