Telecommunications provider Telecel Ghana has officially responded to a GH¢2 million lawsuit filed by Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, an onion seller from Makola Market, over the alleged unauthorized use of her photograph in an advertisement for its Telecel Red Save product.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 19, Telecel confirmed it is aware of the legal claim and is actively reviewing the matter. The company, operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, noted that it is treating the situation with the seriousness it deserves.
“We have become aware of media reports regarding a legal claim filed by Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, alleging that her image was used without consent in connection with our Telecel Red Save campaign,” the statement read.
Telecel emphasized its commitment to upholding ethical standards, particularly around privacy, image rights, and intellectual property.
“We wish to assure the public that we take matters of privacy, imagery consent, and intellectual property very seriously,” the company stated.
The response comes amid growing public concern over data protection and the rights of individuals in the digital and advertising space—where personal images can be circulated rapidly and without consent.
Telecel concluded its message by urging the public to remain patient as the legal proceedings unfold.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding as this process runs its course.”
The lawsuit, filed on May 23, 2025, by Madam Abbey through her lawyer Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, alleges that her image was used in both online and offline advertisements for the company’s savings product without her knowledge or approval. The complaint states that this exposure caused psychological stress, strained family relations, and led to false assumptions among customers and loved ones about her financial status.
Madam Abbey is seeking a court declaration that her privacy and image rights were violated, and is demanding GH¢2 million in compensation for the damage caused.
The case has reignited discussions around the importance of obtaining explicit consent before using individuals' likenesses in marketing campaigns, especially by large corporations like Telecel, which serve millions of customers nationwide.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem