COFIIG-Ghana Expresses Concern Over Agradaa Jail Sentence But Commends Ruling As A Wake-Up Call Against Religious Fraud

The Coalition for Integrity in Governance – Ghana (COFIIG-GHANA) expresses both commendation and concern following the recent judgment passed on Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa. While we welcome the conviction as a positive development in Ghana’s fight against fraud and religious exploitation, we express concern about aspects of the sentencing and the need for a more balanced justice approach.

The former fetish priestess turned evangelist was on Wednesday sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court after being found guilty on six counts of defrauding by false pretence. The charges were based on her use of spiritual deception to collect significant sums of money from her congregants, promising spiritual multiplication of their funds – promises that turned out to be fraudulent.

COFIIG-GHANA has long stood for the rule of law, transparency, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, particularly the youth, who are often the primary targets of such deceit. The conviction of a high-profile figure like Nana Agradaa sends a strong and timely message to others engaging in similar fraudulent activities, particularly those in religious circles who take advantage of people's faith and desperation.

However, we are concerned about the length of the 15-year custodial sentence, particularly considering that this is a first conviction and the accused is a prominent public figure with the potential to reform. We therefore urge her legal team to appeal for a reduction in the sentence, not to undermine justice, but to balance punishment with the opportunity for rehabilitation and reparation.

More importantly, while the sentencing of the accused is a welcome step, COFIIG-GHANA believes that restitution to victims should be made an integral part of such rulings. Justice should not only punish the offender but seek to repair the harm done to victims. In this case, many victims lost substantial amounts of money, and they deserve to be compensated. We propose that courts should adopt sentencing models that include the return of stolen monies or properties, even if it means reducing the jail term to allow for practical repayment or recovery efforts.

Our justice system must reflect both punitive and restorative principles. It is not enough for offenders to serve time behind bars; they must also be compelled to return what they wrongfully took, especially when the victims are clearly identified and have suffered significant losses.

In conclusion, COFIIG-GHANA calls for continued reforms in our criminal justice processes to ensure that victims of fraud are not forgotten in the pursuit of punishment. The Agradaa ruling is a strong starting point, but we must strive for justice that both deters and restores.

Signed:
Hon. Simon Yaw Awadzi
Executive Director
Coalition for Integrity in Governance – Ghana (COFIIG-GHANA)

Tel: 055-858-9873
Email: [email protected]
Location: Accra, Ghana