The Amasaman High Court has reduced Nana Agradaa’s 15-year prison sentence to 12 calendar months. The court said the original punishment was harsh and excessive.
Although the court upheld her conviction, it used its discretion to change the sentence. The judges explained that the offence deserved punishment, but the earlier 15-year term was not proportionate to the crime.
The new sentence takes effect from July 3, 2025, which is the date of her conviction. This means Nana Agradaa will serve a total of 12 months in prison instead of the original 15 years with hard labour.
Nana Agradaa is a former fetish priestess who later became an evangelist. She was convicted earlier this year after a trial that attracted national attention. The lower court sentenced her to 15 years, a decision that shocked many Ghanaians and sparked serious public debate.
Several legal experts and civil society groups criticised the punishment. They said it did not match sentences given in similar cases. When reviewing the case, the High Court agreed that the punishment was too severe.
The judges stated that the goal of sentencing is not only to punish, but also to reform and deter. They added that courts must not allow public pressure to influence their decisions.
The new ruling has started fresh discussions across the country. Some people welcome the decision, saying it restores fairness in the justice system. Others feel the original sentence should have remained.
Despite the different opinions, the case is now seen as an important example of how higher courts can correct harsh sentences. Nana Agradaa’s conviction still stands, but her reduced sentence shows the court’s commitment to fairness and proportional justice.