The High Court in Amasaman has denied an application for bail filed by convicted Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, pending an appeal.
Agradaa’s lawyers argued that her conviction was a prima facie wrong and prayed the court to grant her temporary freedom.
The court, presided over by Justice Dr. Richmond Osei Hwere, denied the bail request but ordered the Registrar of the Circuit Court to produce the record of proceedings within 14 days to ensure an expeditious hearing of the appeal.
Agradaa was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labor for defrauding some members of the public. Her lawyers have disagreed with both the conviction and sentence and filed a petition for appeal.
In her statement of case, Nana Agradaa’s lawyers argued that “the applicant is confident that the appeal has a strong chance of success due to the flaws that characterized the trial and the bias exhibited by the trial judge.” They also stated that she would make herself available in court as required and undertake not to interfere with or contravene the terms of the bail bond.
The court had sentenced her to 25 penalty units or 30 days in default for charlatanic advertisement and 15 years imprisonment with hard labor for defrauding by false pretenses, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Agradaa’s lawyers contend that the trial was unfairly conducted, and the burden of proof was improperly shifted to her to prove her innocence.
