Legal practitioner and Senior Associate at Edfields Attorneys, Prince Benson Mankotam, has stated that the offence of defrauding by false pretence carries a maximum custodial sentence of up to 25 years under Ghanaian law, describing it as a serious felony that attracts stiff punishment.
Speaking on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Starr 103.5 FM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the private legal practitioner explained that defrauding by false pretence is classified as a second-degree felony, making it one of the more severe economic crimes under the Criminal Offences Act.
“Defrauding by false pretence is a second-degree felony. It is punishable by a minimum of five years and a maximum of 25 years,” he stated.
His comments followed a High Court decision to reduce the 15-year sentence of Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, to one year, a ruling he said does not align with sentencing principles governing such offences.
READ: High Court reduces Agradaa’s 15-year sentence to one year
According to Mankotam, the seriousness of the offence is not determined solely by the amount involved or the number of victims, but by the deliberate intent to deceive.
“The fact that it involved Gh¢1,000 or two people does not reduce the gravity of the offence. The offence is complete once there is deception and inducement,” he explained.
He further noted that Ghana’s sentencing regime places emphasis on consistency and deterrence, particularly in cases involving fraud. “That is why we have sentencing guidelines; to ensure that similar offences attract similar punishments and to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.
Mankotam also highlighted that where aggravating factors exist, the law permits courts to impose stiffer penalties within the prescribed range. “When aggravating factors are present, especially where vulnerable people are targeted, the sentence is expected to reflect that seriousness,” he added.
READ: Attorney-General can appeal Nana Agradaa’s reduced sentence – Lawyer Prince Mankotam
He warned that imposing significantly reduced sentences for offences of this nature could weaken public confidence in the justice system and undermine efforts to combat fraud.
“Defrauding by false pretence is not a minor offence. The law clearly provides for severe punishment, and sentencing must reflect that,” he concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
