Agradaa’s Lawyers to Appeal 15-Year Jail Sentence

The legal team for Ghanaian evangelist Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has announced plans to appeal her 15-year prison sentence handed down by the Circuit Court in Accra. Agradaa was convicted of defrauding people by false pretenses and promoting a money-doubling scheme, for which she was also fined GH¢300.

Grounds for Appeal

According to her lawyer, Richard Asare Baffour, the court’s decision was unfair and a “travesty of justice.” Baffour expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating that they were not expecting such a harsh sentence. “We say so not because the decision did not go our way. We say so because we are deeply concerned about the reasoning of the court,” he said.

Filing the Appeal

The legal team plans to file the necessary processes early Monday morning, challenging the sentence and seeking a more lenient punishment. Baffour emphasized that the court’s decision was excessive and did not take into account Agradaa’s remorse and her role as a mother of five.

Background

Agradaa was arrested in October 2022 after promoting a money-doubling scheme at a church event. The prosecution pushed for a tough sentence to discourage similar crimes, and the court ultimately sentenced her to 15 years with hard labor. If she fails to pay the GH¢300 fine, she will serve an additional 30 days in jail.

Reactions

The conviction and sentencing of Agradaa have sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians, with some expressing relief that justice has been served, while others have criticized the harsh sentence. Her lawyers argue that the sentence is excessive and was imposed to satisfy public opinion due to her notoriety.

Next Steps

As Agradaa begins serving her sentence, her legal team is preparing to file an appeal, hoping to reduce or overturn the conviction. The outcome of the appeal will determine the next steps in this high-profile case.

Conclusion

The case of Agradaa highlights the complexities of navigating faith and law in Ghana. As the appeal process unfolds, many will be watching to see how the courts balance justice and mercy in this high-profile case.

Source: Africa Publicity