Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, is seeking temporary freedom through the courts as she pushes back against her recent conviction and 15-year prison sentence. Her legal team has filed an application for bail pending appeal, arguing that the verdict handed down earlier this month was deeply flawed.
Convicted on July 3, 2025, the founder of Heaven Way Champion International Ministry was sentenced to 15 years with hard labour for defrauding members of the public. Additionally, she was fined 25 penalty units, or ordered to serve 30 days in default, on a separate charge of charlatanic advertisement. According to Circuit Court Judge Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, the two fraud-related sentences will run concurrently.
Unsatisfied with both the conviction and the punishment, Agradaa’s lawyers, led by Richard Asare Baffour, filed a petition for appeal. But with the appellate process yet to begin and no hearing date confirmed, the defense moved quickly, submitting a bail application on July 9, 2025, according to a report.
In support of the motion, the defense contended that their client’s case deserves another look. “The applicant is confident that the appeal has a strong chance of success due to the flaws that characterized the trial and the bias exhibited by the trial judge,” they argued.
The legal team further pledged their client’s full cooperation with the court, emphasizing her commitment to comply with all conditions attached to the bail. “She would make herself available in court as required, undertake not to interfere with or contravene the terms of the bail bond in any way,” the lawyers assured, also noting that the sureties were ready to provide the necessary security.
Nana Agradaa’s petition takes direct aim at the trial process, accusing the court of procedural injustice.
“The applicant contends that the trial was unfairly conducted, as the burden of proof was improperly shifted to her to prove her innocence, rather than requiring the prosecution to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” she claimed.
