Founder of Heaven Way Ministries International, Patricia Asiedua, widely known as Nana Agradaa, has finally broken her silence after being handed a 15-year jail sentence by an Accra Circuit Court.
The controversial self-styled evangelist was convicted on multiple counts of defrauding by false pretence and charlatanic advertisement.
She was found guilty of convincing members of her church to hand over large sums of money with the promise of spiritual rewards and financial breakthroughs.
While being escorted out of the courtroom after the verdict, Agradaa addressed a group of reporters in a brief but striking comment directed at her followers.
All she managed to say was for her followers to never cease praying.
Agradaa exhibited calm confidence, appearing emotionally composed despite the heavy sentence that awaits her.
Her husband, Mr Eric Oduro Assiamah, has since spoken out in protest, describing the ruling as unfair.
According to him, the money offered by the victims was voluntary and part of regular religious contributions.
“Don’t church members pay tithe and offering? There is no church that doesn’t accept money. These are some of the cons of doing God’s work. Physically, it’s difficult, but we look up to God.”
Mr Assiamah maintains that his wife never forced anyone to give money and believes the court misjudged the intent behind her actions.
Her sentencing has triggered mixed reactions across the country, with some calling it justice served and others defending her as a victim of religious persecution.
Agradaa is expected to begin serving her 15-year sentence immediately.
