Accra circuit Court presided over by Evelyn Asamoah (Mrs.) has sentenced a self-styled evangelist Patricia Asieduaa, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence. The sentence was handed down after she was found guilty of deceiving the public through her claims of having spiritual powers to double money.
According to ACT 29 Criminal Offences Act, 1960 False Pretences and Other Frauds 131, subsec-tion (1) and is liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years and not more than twenty-five years
The Case
Nana Agradaa’s conviction stems from a 2022 televised broadcast where she claimed to possess supernatural abilities to multiply money. Several individuals were lured into giving her large sums of money, expecting miraculous returns that never materialized.
The Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (ACT 29)
According to ACT 29 Criminal Offences Act, 1960 False Pretences and Other Frauds 131. Defrauding by false pretence (1) A person who defrauds any other person by a false pretence commits a second degree felony. (2) A person who by means of a false pretence or by personation obtains or attempts to obtain the consent of another person to part with or transfer the ownership of a thing by a false representation of acting in accordance with the instructions, orders or a request of the President or member of the Cabinet, commits a second degree felony under subsec-tion (1) and is liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years and not more than twenty-five years despite section 296 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Proce- dure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).” 35 132. Definition of defrauding by false pretence A person defrauds by false pretences if, by means of a false pretence, or by persona- tion that person obtains the consent of another person to part with or transfer the owner- ship of a thing. 133. Definition of, and provisions relating to, a false pretence (1) A false pretence is a representation of the existence of a state of facts made by a person, with the knowledge that the representation is false or without the belief that it is true, and made with an intent to defraud. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1),
The Sentence
The court considered the severity of the offense and the impact on the victims before handing down the sentence. As part of the proceedings, Nana Agradaa underwent a mandatory pregnancy test, a standard practice in Ghanaian courts for women of childbearing age facing potential custodial sentences.
Reaction
After the sentence was passed, Nana Agradaa appealed to her followers to continue praying. The case has sparked discussions about the need for accountability and transparency in religious and spiritual practices.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Nana Agradaa serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying claims and being cautious of schemes that seem too good to be true. It also highlights the need for authorities to take action against individuals who exploit and deceive others for financial gain.