Founder of Heaven Way Ministries International, Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has finally spoken out after being sentenced to 15 years in prison by an Accra Circuit Court.
The controversial self-acclaimed evangelist was found guilty on multiple counts of defrauding by false pretence and charlatanic advertisement. The court, presided over by Justice Evelyn Amoah, convicted her for persuading her congregants to hand over huge sums of money with promises of spiritual rewards and miraculous financial breakthroughs.
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Moments after the verdict, while being escorted from the courtroom, Agradaa briefly addressed reporters and her loyal followers. In her only remark, she urged them to “mpaebɔ naaaa” which translates into English to mean they should never cease praying.
The ruling has sparked widespread reactions, with some hailing it as justice finally served, while others argue that Agradaa is a victim of religious persecution.
Her husband, Mr Eric Oduro Asiamah, on the other hand also described the court’s decision as unfair, insisting that the funds collected were voluntary church contributions. “Don’t church members pay tithe and offering? There is no church that doesn’t accept money. These are some of the cons of doing God’s work. Physically, it’s difficult, but we look up to God,” he said. He further maintained that his wife never coerced anyone to donate and believes the court misunderstood her intentions.
Nana Agradaa is expected to begin serving her 15-year jail term immediately.
