Telecel Ghana reacts to GH¢2million lawsuit by Makola Market trader over unauthorised image use
Telecommunications company Telecel Ghana has acknowledged a lawsuit filed by Makola Market trader Faustina Djagbele Abbey over the alleged unauthorised use of her image in its Telecel Red Save campaign, stating it is "reviewing the details" of the claim.
In a press statement released today, 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 seller claims Telecel used her likeness across billboards, social media, and traditional advertisements without permission for its digital savings product.
Telecel's statement noted: "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 legal action has drawn attention to growing concerns about digital privacy rights in Ghana's corporate marketing landscape.
Abbey's lawyers argue the widespread campaign caused her personal distress, with acquaintances mistakenly believing she had financial ties to the telecom giant.
As one of Ghana's major telecom providers with 17.2 per cent market share, Telecel faces a potentially precedent-setting case. The company concluded its statement by "appreciat[ing] the public's understanding as this process runs its course."
Read the entire statement below;
Press Statement
For Immediate Release – 19th June 2025
Re: Legal Claim Over Alleged Unauthorized Use of Photograph
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.
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.
We appreciate the public’s understanding as this process runs its course.
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