Crime and Investigation
Nana Agradaa Seeks Bail Pending Appeal, Claims Unfair Trial and Judicial Bias
Lawyers for Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, have filed an application for bail pending appeal following her conviction and sentencing earlier this month.
The founder of Heaven Way Champion International Ministry was sentenced on July 3, 2025, to 15 years imprisonment with hard labor after being found guilty on two counts of defrauding by false pretenses. She also received an additional sentence of either paying 25 penalty units or serving 30 days for the offense of charlatanic advertisement. The court ruled that all sentences should run concurrently.
Dissatisfied with both the conviction and the sentence, Agradaa’s legal team, led by Richard Asare Baffour, filed a petition of appeal, citing numerous irregularities during the trial. With the appeal yet to be scheduled, her lawyers submitted a motion on July 9, 2025, requesting bail while the appeal is pending.
In the statement supporting the bail application, her legal team argued that the appeal stands a high chance of success due to what they describe as significant flaws in the trial and bias on the part of the presiding judge, Her Honor Evelyn Asamoah.
“The applicant contends that the trial was unfairly conducted, with the burden of proof effectively shifted onto her rather than the prosecution being required to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” the statement read.
The defense highlighted specific concerns, such as the trial judge’s reliance on a comment made by the Master of Ceremonies (MC) in a video presented by the defense, which they say was unfairly used to undermine Agradaa’s testimony. According to the lawyers, the judge failed to properly evaluate the key allegation by complainants—that Agradaa had instructed that the lights be turned off—an accusation she denied.
They also criticized the court’s selective analysis of evidence, particularly regarding the timing and length of lighting issues during the service, arguing that these were crucial details that were either ignored or unfairly interpreted.
Furthermore, the defense argued that the judge did not adequately consider mitigating factors during sentencing, despite referencing Ghana’s Sentencing Guidelines. They believe the judgment lacked a balanced assessment of the plea in mitigation.
Nana Agradaa has pledged to comply fully with all court requirements if granted bail. Her lawyers assured the court that she will not interfere with the legal process and that her sureties are prepared to provide adequate security in support of her release.
The application for bail now awaits the court’s determination as the appeal process unfolds.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, for what they describe as offensive conduct likely to disturb public peace.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 8, the Police confirmed that Abronye was taken into custody earlier in the day and is currently being held. He is expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.
Although the statement did not provide details of the incident that triggered his arrest, Abronye has in recent weeks drawn public attention after filing asylum applications in eight countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Germany, and Côte d’Ivoire — citing political persecution and threats to his life.
Meanwhile, Police investigations linked to Abronye also prompted a search of the residence of former NPP Youth Organiser, Moses Abor, on Sunday. However, Mr. Abor was not found during the operation.
Crime and Investigation
Two Women Granted GH¢100,000 Bail Each Over Offensive TikTok Comments About President Mahama
Two women facing charges for making abusive remarks against former President John Dramani Mahama following the August 6 helicopter crash have been granted bail.
The Adenta Circuit Court admitted Priscilla Duah Birago, a 29-year-old National Service Person, and Charity Dede Tetteh, a 29-year-old beautician, to bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 each with two sureties, one of which must be justified with property.
Both pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime with offensive conduct, and offensive conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The prosecution alleged that during a TikTok live session, the accused stated: “We would have been happier if the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, was involved in the helicopter crash and dwarfs had eaten him up. A lot of people are dying under his tenure of office.” The remarks were later shared on Birago’s TikTok account, under the name “Abena Birago.”
Presiding judge Mrs. Angela Attache cautioned the accused to avoid further trouble, stressing the sensitive nature of the case.
A legal team led by Mr. Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa represented the accused, while Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo prosecuted. The prosecution also revealed that investigators are seeking a High Court order to access the accused persons’ mobile phones, though they did not oppose the bail request.
The matter has been adjourned to November 5, 2025, with forensic evidence of the live-stream already secured for trial.
Crime and Investigation
Chinese National and Ghanaian Arrested in Akwatia for Illegal Possession of Ammunition
Police in Akwatia have arrested two men, including a Chinese national, for allegedly possessing ammunition without authorization.
The suspects, 32-year-old Enoch Asiedu and 58-year-old Lu Youyan, were intercepted around 9 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Boadua Livingstone snap checkpoint during a routine police patrol.
According to police reports, the two were travelling in a Toyota Hilux pickup when officers conducted a search and discovered four live BB cartridges inside the vehicle. The suspects were immediately taken to the Akwatia Police Station along with the seized ammunition.
During interrogation, Asiedu claimed the cartridges belonged to their employer, identified only as Mohammed, who is said to own the pickup. Police have since launched efforts to locate Mohammed for questioning.
Both men are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
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