Lawyer Richard Asare Baffour made a heartfelt plea to the Circuit Court in Accra, urging the presiding judge to consider the family and future of Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, before imposing a harsh custodial sentence.
His client was on Thursday sentenced to 15 years in prison for defrauding by false pretence and fined GH¢300 for charlatanic advertisement.
In an emotional appeal to Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, Baffour said, “We humbly approach your mercy seat and, on bended knees, pray that you temper justice with mercy.
“A custodial sentence may shatter the dream of this young lady who wants to be a lawyer… The last born is just three years old and will need the care and attention of her mother.”
He also argued that Agradaa had suffered enough during the nearly three years of legal proceedings, describing her as a first-time offender and urging the court to show leniency.
“We honestly believe that participating in this trial for the past three years is punishment enough,” he added.
However, the prosecution quickly rebutted that claim. Lead prosecutor, ASP Emmanuel Haligah, informed the court that Agradaa had previously been convicted in 2021 for a similar offence and fined GH¢10,000.
“This is not a first-time offence,” ASP Haligah stated firmly.
“There was clear premeditation. “We’re seeing a rise in these fraudulent advertisements on our airwaves, and a strong sentence is necessary to deter others.”
He added that Agradaa’s conduct showed no remorse and that the severity of the punishment was both appropriate and necessary to serve as a warning to others who might consider similar deceptive schemes.
The court found that Agradaa, through a televised broadcast in 2022, falsely claimed spiritual powers to double money.
Her actions misled and defrauded unsuspecting victims who were lured into parting with their funds with hopes of supernatural returns.
In addition to the 15-year custodial sentence for two counts of defrauding by false pretence, she was fined 25 penalty units (GH¢300) for charlatanic advertisement.
Failure to pay this fine will earn her an additional 30 days behind bars.
