Nana Agradaa Jailed 15 Years for Charlatanic Advertisement and Fraud

The Accra Circuit Court has sentenced popular spiritualist Patricia Asiedua, widely known as Nana Agradaa, to 15 years imprisonment after finding her guilty of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.

The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, who noted that the convict skillfully executed her fraudulent schemes and showed no sign of remorse throughout the trial.

Nana Agradaa, a self-styled evangelist and former traditional priestess, was arrested following multiple complaints from members of the public who claimed she had defrauded them under the guise of doubling their money through spiritual means. She was charged with using the media to advertise her supposed spiritual services with the intent to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

In a packed courtroom, the judge emphasized that the sentence serves as a deterrent to others who exploit the vulnerability of citizens using deceptive religious or spiritual claims. “The convict showed calculated intent and exhibited no remorse for her actions, which caused significant emotional and financial damage to her victims,” Justice Asamoah said.

The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including video recordings of Agradaa promoting her fraudulent activities on live television and testimonies from victims who recounted how they were lured and swindled.

Nana Agradaa, who once ran the now-defunct Thunder TV and was known for her controversial “sika gari” rituals, had previously faced similar accusations but managed to avoid significant legal consequences. However, the latest charges proved too grave to escape punishment.

The sentencing has sparked wide reactions across social media and religious circles in Ghana, with many applauding the judiciary for taking a strong stance against spiritual fraud and false advertising in the country.

Legal analysts say the ruling marks a critical step in clamping down on charlatans and pseudo-religious figures who use superstition to deceive the public for personal gain.

Nana Agradaa is expected to serve her full 15-year term in prison.