Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, an onion seller near Makola Market in Accra, has filed a GH¢2 million lawsuit against telecom company Telecel, operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, accusing them of violating her privacy and image rights.
Court documents filed at the High Court by her lawyer, Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, reveal that Madam Abbey’s photograph was used without her consent in Telecel’s marketing campaigns for the “Telecel Red Save” product. The image has been widely circulated on billboards, traditional media, and social media platforms.
Madam Abbey only discovered the unauthorized use of her photo after being informed by friends and customers. She claims the unwanted publicity has caused her psychological distress, strained family relationships, and led to misconceptions about her financial status.
Some family members now believe she has become wealthy, which has caused tension and discomfort in her personal life.
“The use of my photograph without my consent has unnecessarily exposed me,” she said in her legal statement. “I am unable to cope with the enormous publicity, and it has severely affected my mental health.”
She further alleges that Telecel deliberately exploited her vulnerable position as a market trader for corporate gain, warning that the company may continue this behavior unless stopped by the court.
Madam Abbey is seeking the following reliefs from the High Court:
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A declaration that Telecel violated her privacy and personal liberties.
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A declaration that her image rights were infringed through the unauthorized use of her photo.
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An order for Telecel to pay GH¢2 million in compensation for the violations.
Additionally, she demands the immediate removal of all advertisements bearing her image from billboards, social media, and other platforms.
