What you were looking for, you have gotten it – Agradaa’s lawyer jabs Ghanaians

Richard Asare Baffour, the lawyer for repented former fetish priestess turned evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has described her 15-year prison sentence as excessive and unfair. He believes the ruling was influenced more by public pressure than by the actual evidence.

Speaking to the media after the Accra Circuit Court delivered its judgment, Baffour said Agradaa’s controversial past and outspoken nature made her a target in the eyes of many Ghanaians.

“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,” he said.

Her legal team criticised the ruling, claiming the sentence was not based on the facts of the case but rather on public sentiment. They noted that the amount involved in the alleged fraud was only GH¢540, which they argued did not justify 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 stated.

Agradaa, founder of Heaven Way International Church, was convicted of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretences. The sentence was handed down by Justice Evelyn Asamoah after a pregnancy test confirmed that Agradaa was not pregnant, allowing the court to proceed with sentencing.

Her lawyers insist she fully cooperated with the legal process and that there was no reason to impose a heavy 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,” they argued.

The legal team has announced plans to file an appeal on Monday, July 7, 2025, in hopes of overturning the sentence.

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