A Makola Market onion trader, Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, has filed a GH¢2 million lawsuit against Telecel Ghana.
She alleged that the telecom giant’s negligence caused her significant financial harm, adding that the company infringed on her privacy, personal freedoms, and image rights.
According to documents submitted to the High Court by her legal counsel, Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, Madam Abbey claims Telecel used her photograph in marketing campaigns for its “Telecel Red Save” product without her knowledge or consent.
The image in question has reportedly been widely circulated across multiple platforms, including billboards, mainstream media, and social media.
In her statement of claim, Madam Abbey states that she only became aware of the unauthorised use after being alerted by acquaintances and customers.
She said the unanticipated exposure has caused her considerable psychological distress, strained familial relationships, and led to misunderstandings about her financial situation.
She further elaborated that some relatives now believe she has become financially wealthy, which has created tension and discomfort in her personal life.
Commenting on the matter in her writ, Madam Abbey stated: “The use of my photograph without my consent has unnecessarily exposed me. I am unable to deal with the enormous publicity. It has impacted heavily on my mental health.”
She also accused Telecel of acting deliberately and exploitatively, leveraging her vulnerable status as a market trader for corporate gain. Madam Abbey warns that the company’s actions may continue unless the court intervenes.
She is asking the High Court for three key declarations:
- A declaration that Telecel violated her privacy and personal liberties.
- A declaration that her image rights were infringed by the unauthorised use of her photograph.
- An order directing Telecel to pay GH¢2,000,000.00 in damages for the alleged breaches.
In addition, she is seeking a court order for the immediate removal of all advertisements featuring her image, whether on billboards, social media, or any other public platform.
Meanwhile, Telecel Ghana has acknowledged the lawsuit filed by Madam Abbey, stating that it is “reviewing the details” of the claim.
In a press statement, the company said: “Telecel Ghana has become aware of media reports of a legal claim filed by Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey alleging the use of her photograph without her consent in relation to our Telecel Red Save product campaign.”
The case, filed on May 23, 2025, at the High Court, seeks GH¢2 million in damages for alleged violations of Abbey’s privacy and image rights under Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843). The onion trader contends that her likeness was used in billboards, social media posts, and other advertisements promoting the digital savings product without her permission.
Telecel added: “We are currently reviewing the details of this claim to establish the facts. We wish to assure the public that we take matters of privacy, imagery consent and intellectual property seriously.”
The lawsuit has intensified national discussion on digital privacy and consent in Ghana’s corporate marketing practices.
Abbey’s legal team maintains that the widespread campaign caused her emotional harm and misled people into assuming she had financial affiliations with the telecom company.
