Nana Agradaa Jailed for 15 Years: The Shocking Downfall of the Self-Proclaimed Money Doubling Evangelist

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples across Ghana and beyond, the Founder and Leader of Heaven Way Church, Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, widely known as Nana Agradaa, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labor. This high-profile conviction marks a dramatic chapter in the life of a woman whose name became synonymous with controversy and scandal in recent years.

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On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Accra Circuit Court, under the leadership of Justice Evelyn Asamoah, handed down the sentence that many saw as long overdue. Nana Agradaa was found guilty on two serious charges: charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretenses.

Before delivering the final sentence, Justice Asamoah ordered a pregnancy test to be conducted on the evangelist. This unusual step was taken to ensure that no complications would arise if she were pregnant. Hours after being escorted from the courtroom, Nana Agradaa returned looking visibly distressed, fueling further public curiosity about her fate.

Nana Agradaa’s conviction was rooted in a scandal that exploded back in 2022. A viral video surfaced showing her promising to "double" money for individuals who attended an all-night service at her church in Weija, Accra. In the video, she boldly claimed she possessed divine powers that could miraculously multiply cash, urging unsuspecting worshippers to bring their money in faith.

Driven by desperation and hope, many church members and visitors handed over their hard-earned cash, believing they would receive double or even triple the amount in return. However, what awaited them was nothing short of betrayal.

On Sunday, October 9, 2022, Nana Agradaa was arrested following a barrage of complaints filed by angry victims. According to an official statement by the Ghana Police Service, "The police have arrested Patricia Asiedua, alias Nana Agradaa, following allegations of a money-doubling scam levelled against her by some members of the public. The suspect is currently assisting with police investigations."

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The arrest came just two days after the controversial all-night service on October 7, 2022. Many of the victims took to social media and traditional news outlets to share their heartbreaking stories. They recounted how they were persuaded to give large sums of money with promises of miraculous financial returns. Instead of blessings, they were met with deception. Once the money was collected, Agradaa reportedly dismissed the congregation without delivering on her promises.

The public reaction to the scandal was fierce. Many viewed Nana Agradaa as a master manipulator who preyed on the vulnerabilities of struggling individuals. In a country where many people grapple with financial difficulties, her promise of quick wealth was an irresistible lure.

Agradaa, who had previously gained notoriety as a traditional priestess before claiming to have "repented" and becoming a Christian evangelist, was no stranger to controversy. Her switch from traditional religious practices to Christianity did not shield her from scrutiny. Critics often accused her of blending spiritual theatrics with calculated fraud.

Following her arrest, the police urged anyone who had fallen victim to her scheme to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations. This move opened the floodgates, as more victims stepped up with evidence and testimonies.

The legal proceedings were closely followed by the public, with many Ghanaians eagerly awaiting justice. The court hearings featured dramatic moments, including heated exchanges between Agradaa’s defense lawyers and the prosecution. Despite her legal team’s efforts to dismiss the charges or secure a more lenient outcome, the weight of evidence was overwhelming.

Nana Agradaa at Court

When Justice Asamoah finally delivered the 15-year sentence, it was seen as a strong message to charlatans and fraudsters operating under the guise of religion. The inclusion of hard labor in her punishment further underscored the seriousness of the offense.

Observers believe that the sentence could set a precedent in Ghana’s fight against religious scams and fraudulent spiritual practices. In recent years, there has been growing concern about self-styled "men and women of God" who exploit followers with fake promises of miracles, wealth, and healing.

The sentencing sparked a wide range of reactions among Ghanaians. While some expressed satisfaction, seeing it as long-awaited justice, others were deeply shocked that someone they trusted as a spiritual leader could be capable of such deceit.

On social media, hashtags such as #NanaAgradaa, #JusticeServed, and #MoneyDoublingScam trended for days. Comment sections were flooded with strong opinions, ranging from calls for even harsher penalties to sympathetic messages from a minority who still believed in her.

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Behind the headlines and courtroom drama lie the stories of countless victims who trusted Nana Agradaa with their money and faith. Many recounted selling personal belongings or borrowing money just to participate in the scheme, convinced that their financial burdens would be miraculously lifted.

One victim shared, "I gave her everything I had because I believed it would change my life. Now, I’m left with nothing but debt and shame." These personal stories highlight the emotional and financial devastation caused by such scams and serve as a painful reminder of the dangers of blind faith.

Nana Agradaa’s case has reignited a broader conversation in Ghana about the intersection of religion, spirituality, and fraud. While faith plays a significant role in the lives of many Ghanaians, there is a growing call for stricter regulation and oversight of religious organizations to protect vulnerable individuals.

Authorities and religious bodies are being urged to implement tighter controls, enforce existing laws, and educate the public about recognizing and avoiding fraudulent spiritual leaders. As some critics point out, charismatic figures like Nana Agradaa thrive in environments where desperation and hope intertwine, creating fertile ground for exploitation.

With her sentencing finalized, Nana Agradaa begins her 15-year term, a dramatic fall from her days as a popular evangelist commanding large crowds and media attention. The future remains uncertain for her followers, many of whom are now grappling with feelings of betrayal and confusion.

While it is unclear whether she will seek an appeal or legal review of her sentence, the likelihood of overturning the conviction appears slim given the overwhelming evidence presented in court.

The sentencing of Nana Agradaa marks a significant moment in Ghana’s legal and religious landscape. It sends a strong warning to spiritual leaders who exploit their congregations under false pretenses and reaffirms the commitment of the judiciary to uphold justice for all.

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As Ghana continues to navigate the delicate balance between faith and accountability, the case of Nana Agradaa will undoubtedly remain a landmark example of how justice can prevail even against the most influential figures. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for both leaders and followers: that true faith should uplift, not deceive, and that no one is above the law.

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