14/07/2025
LEGAL UPDATE: AGRADAA FILES FOR BAIL PENDING APPEAL – WHAT THE LAW SAYS
Today, July 14, 2025, news broke that Evangelist Patricia Asiedua (popularly known as Agradaa) has filed for bail pending appeal following her conviction and 15-year jail term.
But can someone already sentenced to jail apply for bail?
✅ YES — under Ghanaian law, it is possible.
According to Article 14(4) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, a person convicted and sentenced by a court has the right to appeal the conviction. And while that appeal is being heard, the person can apply for bail pending the outcome.
However, this is not a right but a privilege, and the courts will only grant it under special circumstances.
🧑⚖️ The courts consider:
1. Whether the appeal has substantial grounds or a strong chance of success.
2. Whether the applicant is a flight risk or will evade justice.
3. The interest of the public and the need to preserve confidence in the justice system.
4. Whether the convict might interfere with witnesses or evidence if released.
📚 In the landmark Ghanaian case Owusu v The Republic [1991], the Court of Appeal emphasized that bail pending appeal should be exceptional and not automatic.
🛑 Bail after conviction is much harder to obtain than pre-trial bail. The applicant must convince the court that justice will not be compromised if granted bail.
Let’s watch how this legal process unfolds in Agradaa’s case. Justice must not only be done, but also seen to be done.
