The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is reportedly taking steps to shut down the controversial church operated by Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa or Evangelist Mama Pat.
The move follows numerous complaints about financial irregularities and suspected fraudulent activities at her Heaven Way Champion International Church.
According to The New Republic, EOCO’s intervention follows a growing number of complaints from concerned citizens and former congregants alleging financial impropriety, misappropriation of funds, and deceptive schemes operating under the guise of religious worship .
The impending EOCO action comes amid Agradaa’s many legal troubles in recent times, one of which has ended in her being sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour.
On July 3, 2025, Agradaa was convicted and jailed for fraud and charlatanic advertisements, marking the end of a lengthy legal process that began with her October 9, 2022, arrest.
She was arrested in connection with allegations of operating a money-doubling scam at her church, following the viral circulation of a video showing congregation members complaining about being defrauded by the controversial televangelist.
Subsequently, Agradaa faced charges of charlatanic advertisement and six counts of defrauding by false pretences. She entered a not guilty plea and was granted bail.
The prosecution’s case centred on Agradaa’s activities on Today’s TV and various social media platforms, where she allegedly advertised a money -doubling scheme. The controversial figure had publicly invited members of the public to attend an all-night service at her church, promising to double their money through her purported spiritual powers.
Court evidence showed the extensive nature of the alleged scam. More than 1,000 people attended the all-night service, with attendees handing over substantial sums of money to Agradaa. However, she failed to fulfil her promise of doubling the money, leaving numerous victims financially compromised.
Despite her conviction, Agradaa’s camp has maintained her innocence, publicly denying any wrongdoing.
In interviews after the court’s verdict, Agradaa’s team described the sentence as harsh, stating that her church operated legitimately.
Already, Agradaa’s lawyers have filed an application appealing the initial conviction. As part of the appeal process, her lawyers sought bail for her pending the outcome, but that was denied by the Amasaman High Court on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, with the lead counsel hinting at another bail application.
On his part, Agradaa’s husband claimed she was being unfairly targeted due to her outspoken nature and public profile and likened her plight to the persecution of some apostles in the Bible.
“I don’t agree with those who say she deserves it. It is very very harsh. Everybody is saying Agradaa, so they are using something to tag her, which is not true… Just like Jesus Christ, they tagged him with so many things,” he said.
Angel Asiamiah further stated that he was going to hold the mantle and keep the church together until his wife was freed. He has already held two Sunday services since Agradaa’s incarceration, including one where he led the congregation in prayers for his wife’s freedom.
However, Asiamah’s reign as the head pastor of Heaven Way Champion Church may be short-lived after the EOCO investigations.
Citing a FrontPage Africa investigation, the report EOCO investigators are systematically gathering evidence to build a case for the church’s closure, with suspicions that the religious institution may be serving as a front for illicit financial dealings.
Meanwhile, Agradaa has filed a transfer application in her ongoing GH₵20 million defamation case with gospel musician Empress Gifty.
The embattled ‘woman of God’ is battling the gospel singer at the Tema High Court after the latter filed suit claiming to have been defamed by the former.
In their latest appearance in court on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Agradaa’s lawyers indicated that their client’s current place of residence is the Nsawam Prison in the Eastern Region of Ghana, and it would be prudent for the suit to be transferred from Tema.
