Controversial evangelist and founder of Heaven Way Champion International Ministry, Patricia Asiedua, widely known as Nana Agradaa, has filed an application for bail pending appeal before the High Court in Accra.
Agradaa, currently serving a custodial sentence following her conviction on charges of defrauding by false pretense and charlatanic advertisement, is seeking temporary release while her legal team challenges the ruling in a higher court.
According to court documents, her lawyers argue that there are substantial grounds for appeal and that continued incarceration would cause undue hardship, especially given her responsibilities as a religious leader and the nature of the sentence imposed. They further claim that she poses no flight risk and intends to fully comply with any conditions the court may attach to her bail.
Agradaa was convicted earlier this year after several of her followers accused her of promising financial “doubling” miracles in exchange for cash donations. The court found that she used deceptive religious broadcasts and manipulated her platform to defraud unsuspecting worshippers.
Since her conviction, public opinion has been divided. While some believe she should serve her full sentence as a warning to others who exploit religion for personal gain, others, particularly her loyal supporters, have rallied behind her, calling for leniency and forgiveness.
The High Court is expected to hear the bail application in the coming days. Legal observers say the case will test the balance between judicial discretion and public perception in high-profile religious fraud cases.
