Following a High Court’s recent denial of bail for controversial evangelist Patricia Asiedua popularly known as Nana Agradaa, residents of Kumasi have expressed overwhelming confidence in Ghana’s judiciary.
Many see the court’s decision as a testament to the transparency and impartiality now being exercised in the justice system particularly in cases involving influential figures.
Nana Agradaa’s bail denial by the High Court at Amasaman, near Accra where she is reportedly serving a 25-year term has sparked widespread public discussions.
Her initial conviction on July 3rd by an Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Evelyn Asamoah, saw her sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of defrauding by false pretenses and engaging in charlatanic advertisement.
A cross-section of Kumasi residents lauded the judiciary, emphasizing that the era where religious leaders exploit the vulnerable and escape justice appears to be over.
They commended the courts for their bold and unbiased application of the law, regardless of a person’s perceived influence or wealth.
Mohammed Awal a resident of Kumasi Aboabo voiced his support for the High Court judge’s decision to deny Agradaa bail noting that the judge’s prudent approach in awaiting further information from the Circuit Court that initially convicted her.
Opanin Marfo, a 69-year-old Mason from Kumasi Maakro, shared a personal experience to underscore the importance of judicial intervention.
He recounted how his former pastor engaged the church members in unnecessary lawsuits over leadership rights after the founder’s death.
According to Marfo, it was only through court intervention that the pastor was found guilty and subsequently dismissed from the church highlighting the judiciary’s crucial role in resolving internal disputes within religious bodies.
Yaw Paul of Kumasi Ashanti Newtown expressed grave concern about the alleged misconduct of some contemporary pastors who, despite committing serious sins often use their wealth to influence public officials and avoid prosecution.
He particularly praised the Circuit Court judge Her Ladyship Justice Evelyn Asamoah for her transparency and courage in jailing Agradaa.
Justice Evelyn Asamoah deserves commendation for being bold to justifiably apply the law to jail Agradaa who despite her numerous arrests for wrongdoing, was always seen as an innocent person in society he stated, emphasizing the judge’s commitment to justice without fear or favor.
Adding to the commendations Nana James Akwasi Nsiah a renowned businessman in Kumasi showered praises on His Lordship Justice Poku Edusei, an Appeal Court judge who also serves as an additional sitting High Court judge.
Nana Nsiah highlighted Justice Edusei’s absolutely transparent manners in handling cases, especially those bordering on pastors and churches.
For some years I have seen Justice Poku Edusei as an intelligent judge in religious issues,Nana Nsiah remarked and commended Ghanaian judges as factual, transparent, and unbiased.
However amidst the accolades for the judiciary, Bright Prempeh of Kumasi Tafo added a solemn call to religious leaders.
While acknowledging the good work of the judges, he urged pastors to view Agradaa’s conviction as a wake-up call and to do the right thing to glorify God.
Prempeh posed a poignant question referencing Nana Agradaa’s appearance in court in prisoner’s attire:
When Nana Agradaa was appearing before court with her lawyers to fight for bail which never succeeded she was seen in prisoner’s attire.
Does this issue glorify God?” he questioned, underscoring the potential damage such actions inflict on the image of faith.
The sentiments from Kumasi residents reflect a growing expectation for accountability across all sectors of society, with a particular focus on religious leaders to uphold integrity and ethical conduct.
The judiciary, through its recent actions, appears to have significantly bolstered public trust in its capacity to deliver impartial justice. To
