The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is apparently making moves to shut down the Heaven Way Champion International Church, which is led by Patricia Asiedua, also known as Agradaa or Evangelist Mama Pat.
This verdict comes after a flood of accusations from concerned residents and former congregants alleging financial wrongdoing, theft of church finances, and fraudulent scams masquerading as spiritual practices.
Mounting evidence of alleged irregularities in Agradaa’s church’s operations triggered EOCO’s action, according to The New Republic.
The move comes amid Agradaa’s ongoing legal issues, the most recent of which being her conviction and sentence to 15 years in prison with hard work.
On 3 July 2025, she was convicted guilty of fraud and charlatanic advertising, bringing an end to a lengthy legal fight that began with her arrest on 9 October 2022.
The charges resulted from allegations that she ran a money-doubling scheme within her church, an issue that drew national attention after a video surfaced showing irate congregants claiming they had been duped.
She was then charged with charlatanic advertising and six counts of defrauding under false pretence.
Although she pleaded not guilty and was given bail, the prosecution provided overwhelming evidence that her television and social media broadcasts, particularly those on Today’s TV, promoted a spiritual scheme that promised to quadruple money.
Agradaa reportedly invited the public to an all-night church session, saying that she could multiply their money via her spiritual skills.
Over 1,000 people attended the funeral, many of whom donated huge quantities of money.
However, she allegedly failed to keep her promise, leaving many victims financially devastated.
Despite her conviction, Agradaa and her supporters continue to claim her innocence.
Her legal team has publicly condemned the 15-year sentence as disproportionate, arguing that the church’s operations were legal.
Her lawyers have subsequently filed an appeal against the conviction, including a request for bail while the matter is being considered.
However, the Amasaman High Court denied this bail motion on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Her lead counsel has indicated that a new bail application may be filed.
Speaking on her behalf, Agradaa’s husband claimed she was being persecuted because of her outspokenness and her awareness, drawing parallels between her situation and biblical figures.
