Agradaa is free but 'ex-convict' status triggers some legal restrictions - Lawyer

Lawyer and lecturer at the Law School of UPSA, Justice Abdulai, has stated that evangelist Patricia Asieduaa Asiamah popularly known as Nana Agradaa is currently free like any other citizen following her release from prison, but her status as an ex-convict carries certain legal limitations.

Speaking to GhanaWeb’s Mary Ampeh, he explained that although she has completed her sentence and enjoys her constitutional rights, some restrictions may apply depending on the nature of her conviction.

“She is completely free like any other Ghanaian with her full constitutional rights,” he said.

However, he, added that ex-convicts may face legal complications that could affect certain positions or roles in society.

According to Justice Abdulai, individuals with criminal convictions could be barred from holding specific public offices or corporate roles for a period of time.

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“For instance, a person may not be able to stand for a seat in Parliament, be a director of a company, or even contest for the presidency,” he noted.

He explained that such restrictions generally remain in place for up to 10 years after the completion of the individual’s sentence.

Justice Abdulai clarified that outside these limitations, the former convict is free to travel, work and live normally, provided she remains within the bounds of the law.

“If she gets involved with the law again, she may receive a harsher sentence than someone without a previous conviction,” he added.

Justice Abdulai also clarified that Ghana does not operate a parole system like that of the United States, noting that early release in Ghana usually occurs through the presidential prerogative of mercy rather than a formal parole process.

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