A Makola-based onion trader, Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, has filed a lawsuit against telecom giant Telecel Ghana, demanding GH¢2 million in damages for allegedly using her photograph in an advertising campaign without her consent.
The suit, lodged at the High Court by her legal counsel, Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, accuses Telecel—operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited—of violating her right to privacy, image rights, and personal freedoms through the unauthorised use of her likeness in promotional materials for the company’s “Telecel Red Save” product.
According to the court filings, Madam Abbey’s photo was prominently displayed on billboards, shared on social media, and featured across traditional media outlets, all without her knowledge or approval. She only became aware of the campaign after friends and customers began pointing it out, leading to a surge of public attention she says she neither sought nor welcomed.
“The use of my photograph without my consent has unnecessarily exposed me,” Madam Abbey stated in her writ.
“I am overwhelmed by the sudden publicity, and it has significantly affected my mental well-being.”
She further claims that the incident has strained family relationships, led to emotional distress, and created the false impression that she is financially well-off—resulting in tension within her personal circles.
Abbey alleges that Telecel’s actions were not accidental, but a deliberate exploitation of a market woman’s image for commercial gain. She fears that unless the court intervenes, the company may continue to exploit vulnerable individuals in similar ways.
In her suit, she is asking the court to:
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Declare that her right to privacy and personal liberty has been infringed.
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Acknowledge the unlawful use and abuse of her image rights.
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Order Telecel to pay GH¢2 million in compensation for the damages caused.
The case is currently pending and has not yet been scheduled for hearing.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem