The Amasaman High Court has significantly reduced the lengthy prison sentence of controversial Ghanaian preacher Nana Agradaa, whose real name is Patricia Asiedua Asiamah. The court ruled on Thursday, February 5, 2026, that her original sentence of 15 years with hard labour was too harsh and excessive under the circumstances, and lowered it to 12 months in prison instead.
The decision confirms that while the court upheld Agradaa’s conviction, just punishment could still be achieved without the previously imposed long term. The judge said that reducing the sentence was a fairer outcome, and this change takes effect from the date of her conviction on July 3, 2025, meaning the one-year term is counted from that point.
Agradaa’s conviction stems from charges of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence, related to a televised broadcast in 2022 during which she claimed she could double people’s money through spiritual powers. Prosecutors said this led several people to hand over large sums of cash in the expectation of unfulfilled miraculous returns.
The ruling has ended months of debate in Ghana, where the case remained highly publicised. Before the reduction, the 15-year sentence attracted widespread discussion about whether such a term was appropriate for a case of this nature. Many observers and legal experts have pointed out that while punishment was justified given the offence, the severity of the original sentence was disproportionate.
In response to the High Court’s revised ruling, Agradaa’s husband spoke to reporters, expressing profound relief and happiness that the sentence was reduced so drastically, and that she would return home much sooner than initially expected. His reaction reflected the feelings of supporters and family members who had been closely following the developments.
The new sentence marks a significant shift in a legal saga that has drawn attention across Ghana and beyond, highlighting ongoing debates over appropriate sentencing and accountability for high-profile figures accused of exploiting religious influence for financial gain
