The highly anticipated court hearing in the defamation lawsuit filed by Ghanaian gospel musician Empress Gifty Adorye against self-styled evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, hit a snag at the Tema High Court on Wednesday June 11.
The plaintiff’s legal team, led by Sam Kyere of Osei Aidoh Akpokavie and Co., expressed disappointment after the defendant’s lawyer failed to appear, stalling a motion for an interlocutory injunction.
“We were looking forward to the court moving the motion for interlocutory injunction to restrain the defendant from making derogatory remarks against the plaintiff, Empress Gifty,” Kyere stated outside the courthouse.
“Unfortunately, the defendant’s lawyer didn’t appear in court today, so we couldn’t get the court to move the motion.”
The legal team also revealed that Nana Agradaa’s lawyer has filed an application to dismiss the defamation suit entirely, arguing that Agradaa’s remarks were “mere insults” rather than defamatory comments.
In response, Empress Gifty’s lawyers have submitted an affidavit in opposition, asserting that Agradaa’s statements clearly constitute defamation. The court has scheduled a hearing for this application on June 26, 2025.
Background of the Case
The legal battle stems from a series of online attacks launched by Nana Agradaa against Empress Gifty, allegedly triggered by a dispute involving Gifty’s husband, Hopeson Adorye. On May 13, 2025, Agradaa reportedly made inflammatory remarks during live broadcasts on her Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube platforms, accusing Gifty of promiscuity and making other damaging claims.
These statements, made in Twi and widely circulated, prompted Empress Gifty to file a GH¢20 million defamation lawsuit on May 20, 2025, through her legal representatives at Osei Aidoh Akpokavie and Co.
In her statement of claim, Empress Gifty is seeking four key reliefs: GH¢20 million in damages for slander and libel, a perpetual injunction to prevent Agradaa and her associates from making further defamatory remarks, an order for the removal of all defamatory videos and audios from Agradaa’s social media platforms, and coverage of legal costs, including lawyers’ fees.
The gospel star, known for her hit song *Watch Me* and her role as host of UTV’s *United Showbiz*, argues that Agradaa’s comments have tarnished her reputation, affected her international engagements, and caused emotional distress to her family.
