The High Court in Amasaman on February 5, 2026, significantly reduced the 15-year prison sentence handed down to Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, to just one year. The court’s decision followed her appeal against the original sentence for defrauding by false pretences, which involved duping church members of Gh¢1,000 during an all-night service at her Weija-based church.
Speaking on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Starr 103.5 FM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, private legal practitioner and Senior Associate at Edfields Attorneys, Prince Benson Mankotam, explained that while appeals are a normal part of the judicial process, the Attorney-General (AG) can challenge the High Court’s decision if deemed too lenient.
When asked by the host, Felling Daddy, if the judgement be challenged, he had this to say: “Yes. If the AG so desires, they can appeal,” Mankotam said. “You know, appeal, you can be appealing on substance where you are saying that conviction was wrong, or you can appeal on the basis that the sentence that was given was too excessive or was too mild. So yes, it can be appealed to a higher court, which will either maintain the one year or increase it.”
He noted that the one-year sentence, though already reduced from the initial 15-year term, may not adequately reflect the gravity of the offence under Ghanaian law. “Even if there was going to be a reduction on the 15 years, it shouldn’t have been less than five years,” Mankotam stated, referencing the Ghana Sentencing Guidelines. “The factors considered in fixing the sentence, aggravating and mitigating, suggest that the original 15-year sentence was more appropriate, given that the offence involved defrauding vulnerable church members using the name of God.”
READ: High Court reduces Agradaa’s 15-year sentence to one year
Nana Agradaa, founder of Godsway International Church, was originally sentenced on July 5, 2025, to 15 years in prison with hard labour and fined 25 penalty units (equivalent to Gh¢300). She was convicted on two counts of defrauding by false pretences after advertising a money-doubling scam targeting her congregation.
The High Court also ordered that the Gh¢1,000 involved be refunded to the victims. Mankotam explained that the reduced sentence takes effect from the date of her original sentencing in July 2025, meaning she is expected to be released after completing one year in custody.
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The case has drawn national attention not only because of the high-profile nature of the accused but also due to the legal implications of the sentence reduction. Mankotam emphasized that the AG’s office holds the right to appeal the decision if it deems the one-year term “unreasonable and too mild,” potentially prompting a review by the Court of Appeal.
“Ultimately, the appeal process ensures that the sentence aligns with both legal standards and public expectations for deterrence,” he added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
