A well-known onion seller at ‘KwasiaDwaso’ near Makola Market, Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, has filed a GH¢2 million lawsuit against Telecel Ghana, accusing the telecom company of violating her privacy by using her photograph in a nationwide advertisement without her consent.
In a statement, Madam Abbey alleges that her image was used to promote “Telecel Red Save”, a digital savings product under the Telecel Cash platform. The product encourages users to save money and earn interest. However, according to Madam Abbey, she was never informed, nor did she grant permission for her image to be featured across billboards, traditional media, and social media platforms.
The onion seller claims she first became aware of the unauthorized use in February 2025, when customers began complimenting her on her newfound media presence. What started as admiration soon turned into ridicule and pressure.
She stated that neighbors, church members, and fellow market women began treating her differently, some with amusement, others with expectation, believing she had become wealthy due to her association with the brand.
The unintended exposure reportedly led to emotional stress and social discomfort. Some community members began requesting money from her, thinking she had been paid handsomely for the ad campaign.
As part of her relief, Madam Abbey is seeking GH¢2,000,000 compensation for the breach of her privacy and personal liberties, and a court order directing Telecel Ghana to take down all billboards and media adverts featuring her image.
The case, now before the High Court, raises key concerns about image rights, consent, and corporate accountability in Ghana’s advertising industry.
