Telecel Ghana has accepted a GH¢2 million complaint filed against them by Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, an onion vendor at Makola Market, over the alleged illegal use of her image in a promotional campaign for the company's 'Telecel Red Save' product.
In a press release published on Thursday, June 19, Telecel Ghana, run by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, stated that it is actively investigating the situation.
"We have 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," according to the statement.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to ethical business practices. "We wish to assure the public that we take matters of privacy, imagery consent, and intellectual property seriously," the company said.
Madam Abbey filed the case on May 23, 2025, through her legal counsel, Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, alleging that Telecel utilized her image on multiple platforms, including social media, without her knowledge or permission.
She claims that this act violates her privacy, personal liberty, and image rights.
According to her statement of claim, the unauthorized use of her image misled family and clients into believing she had suddenly become wealthy, which reportedly strained her personal relationships and had a negative impact on her mental health.
In its statement, Telecel urged the public to be patient while the legal procedure takes its course. "We appreciate the public's understanding as this process runs its course," according to the corporation
The lawsuit highlights growing public concern over data protection and image rights, especially as firms expand their digital and advertising footprints.
It also emphasizes the need of getting clear and informed consent before exploiting people's likenesses in commercial promotions.
