Makola Trader Sues Telecel for GH¢2M Over Photo Use
A trader near Accra’s Makola Market, Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, has filed a GH¢2 million lawsuit against major telecom provider Telecel, operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, for what she claims is a severe breach of her personal and image rights.
According to documents submitted to the High Court by her lawyer, Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, Madam Abbey alleges that Telecel used her image without her consent in its "Telecel Red Save" marketing campaign. The image in question has reportedly been shared extensively—appearing on billboards, television, and across various social media platforms.
Madam Abbey stated that she only discovered the misuse after friends and customers began contacting her, surprised by her apparent involvement in the advertisements. She says the sudden exposure has brought her psychological distress, misunderstandings about her financial standing, and tension among relatives—some of whom now believe she has received a windfall.
“The unauthorized use of my picture has made my life uncomfortable,” she noted in the court filing. “I’m overwhelmed by the level of public attention, and it has deeply affected my mental well-being.”
The trader also accused the telecom giant of intentionally exploiting her image for commercial gain, taking advantage of her status as an ordinary market woman. She believes that unless the court steps in, such conduct may persist.
Reliefs Sought:
Madam Abbey is asking the court for the following:
- A declaration that Telecel violated her right to privacy and personal freedom.
- A declaration that her image rights were breached through the use of her photograph without consent.
- An order compelling Telecel to compensate her with GH¢2,000,000.
- A directive for the immediate removal of all adverts bearing her image from billboards, media, and digital platforms.
Source: GhanaWeb.com
