Nana Agradaa’s 15-Year Sentence Won’t Halt Empress Gifty’s Defamation Case, Says Lawyer

Legal practitioner Obiri Boahen has clarified that the 15-year prison sentence handed to evangelist Nana Agradaa for defrauding by false pretence and charlatanic advertisement will not impede gospel singer Empress Gifty’s defamation lawsuit against her. Speaking on Okay FM with Nana Romeo on July 3, 2025, Boahen emphasized that ongoing legal proceedings against Agradaa, whose legal name is Patricia Asiedua, will proceed despite her incarceration.

“Empress Gifty still has a case, and regardless of whether Agradaa goes to prison, it will not affect Empress’ case against her. Empress can proceed with the prosecution even in Agradaa’s absence,” Boahen stated during the interview. He explained that Ghanaian law does not require a defendant’s physical presence for court proceedings to continue, ensuring that Gifty’s defamation case will not be delayed due to Agradaa’s imprisonment.

Boahen further noted that the court is not obligated to wait for Agradaa to complete her sentence before addressing other cases involving her. “On the day of the hearing, if Agradaa is needed in court, the prosecution will still go ahead. The court will not delay Empress Gifty’s case just because Agradaa is in prison. There’s no law in Ghana that says cases should stop because someone is serving time,” he said.

The lawyer also addressed the possibility of Agradaa facing additional legal battles in other circuit courts. “If Agradaa has other cases in different courts, those hearings will not be cancelled. If her presence is required, the court can issue a warrant for the prison authorities to bring Agradaa to court,” Boahen explained, highlighting the procedural mechanisms in place to ensure justice is served.

Additionally, Boahen dismissed suggestions that Empress Gifty’s defamation case could be relocated to a court closer to Agradaa’s prison for convenience. He clarified that such a transfer would require Agradaa’s legal team to submit an application to the Chief Justice, citing her incarceration as a factor. “One cannot request that Empress Gifty move her case to another court just because that court might be closer to Agradaa’s prison location. The only way to accommodate Agradaa’s situation would be for her lawyer to submit an application to the Chief Justice, explaining that his client is currently incarcerated,” he said.

The defamation case stems from alleged statements made by Agradaa, which Empress Gifty claims were defamatory. As Agradaa serves her sentence, the legal system’s ability to handle concurrent cases ensures that Gifty’s pursuit of justice remains unaffected. The case underscores ongoing discussions about accountability and the judicial process in Ghana’s legal system.