Telecel Ghana has confirmed it had been made aware of the legal claim
Telecommunications firm, Telecel Ghana has issued a public statement in response to media reports of a lawsuit filed by Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, a Makola-based onion seller, who is claiming GH¢2 million in damages over the alleged unauthorised use of her photograph in a marketing campaign.
According to the statement, Telecel Ghana confirmed it had been made aware of the legal claim, which relates to the alleged use of Madam Abbey’s image in promotional materials for the company’s “Telecel Red Save” product.
“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 statement read.
The telecommunications giant further appealed to the public for patience and understanding as the legal process unfolds.
Background
Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey is said to have discovered that her image was used in a recent Telecel campaign without her prior knowledge or consent.
According to her legal team, the image, depicting her selling onions at Makola Market, was used to promote a savings-related product, portraying her as a customer or brand ambassador, despite there being no contractual agreement or compensation.
Court documents filed at the High Court by her legal counsel, Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, state that Madam Abbey’s photograph was used without authorization in marketing campaigns for Telecel’s “Telecel Red Save” product.
The image has reportedly been circulated widely on billboards, traditional media, and social media platforms.
In her statement of claim, Madam Abbey asserts that she only became aware of the unauthorized use of her image after being alerted by friends and customers. She says the unexpected publicity has caused her psychological distress, strained family relationships, and led to misconceptions about her financial status.
According to her, some family members now assume she has become financially well-off, resulting in tension and discomfort in her personal life.
“The use of my photograph without my consent has unnecessarily exposed me,” Madam Abbey stated in her writ.
“I am unable to cope with the enormous publicity. It has had a serious impact on my mental health,” she claimed.
She further alleges that Telecel’s actions were deliberate and exploitative, targeting her vulnerable position as a market trader for corporate gain. She also warns that the company is likely to continue this conduct unless the court intervenes.
Madam Abbey is seeking three key reliefs from the High Court:
1. A declaration that Telecel violated her privacy and personal liberties.
2. A declaration that her image rights were abused through the unauthorized use of her photo.
3. An order directing Telecel to pay GH¢2,000,000.00 as compensation for the alleged violations.
Additionally, she wants all advertisements bearing her image whether on billboards, social media, or any other platforms to be pulled down.
MA