Telecel reacts to GH¢2 million lawsuit over alleged unauthorized use of Makola woman’s picture

Telecel Ghana has acknowledged a GH¢2 million lawsuit filed by Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, an onion seller at Makola Market, over the alleged unauthorized use of her photo in a campaign for the ‘Telecel Red Save’ product.

In a statement released on Thursday, June 19, the telecom company, operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, said it is reviewing the matter.

“We wish to assure the public that we take matters of privacy, imagery consent and intellectual property seriously,” the statement read.

Telecel Ghana confirmed awareness of media reports regarding the legal claim and reiterated its commitment to ethical practices.

The company assured the public of its seriousness on matters related to privacy, consent, and intellectual property.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding as this process runs its course,” it said.

Telecel also appealed for public patience as the case proceeds.

The suit, filed on May 23, 2025, by lawyer Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, alleges that Telecel used Madam Abbey’s image on social media and other platforms without her permission.

According to her, this action violated her privacy and image rights.

She claims the widespread use of her image led to false assumptions that she had received money, resulting in strained family ties and mental stress.

The case raises issues about image rights and the importance of consent in advertising, especially for large companies like Telecel Ghana.