Makola onion seller sues Telecel Ghana, demanding GH¢2 million
Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, an onion vendor near Accra's busy Makola Market, has filed a GH¢2 million lawsuit against Telecel, doing business as Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited.
Madam Abbey claims that her image rights, personal liberties, and privacy have all been seriously violated by the telecom behemoth.
Her attorney, Mr. Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, filed documents with the High Court detailing Madam Abbey's allegation that Telecel used her likeness in advertising efforts for its "Telecel Red Save" product without her consent or knowledge.
According to reports, the aforementioned photo has been widely shared on a number of channels, such as billboards, traditional media sources, and social media. In her statement of claim, Madam Abbey claims that she was only made aware of this unauthorized use after hearing about it from friends and customers. She claims that this unplanned exposure has caused her a great deal of psychological pain, harmed ties with her family, and created misconceptions about her financial situation.
She goes on to explain that some family members have assumed she has achieved considerable financial success as a result, which has caused friction and discomfort in her personal life.
She goes on to explain that some family members have assumed she has achieved considerable financial success as a result, which has caused friction and discomfort in her personal life.
In her writ, Madam Abbey offered the following commentary on the matter: "I have been unduly exposed by the publication of my photograph without my authorization. The massive amount of publicity is too much for me. My mental health has suffered greatly as a result.
She further claims that Telecel took advantage of her precarious position as a market trader for corporate advantage in a planned and abusive manner. Madam Abbey is worried that unless the court steps in, the company's actions will probably continue.
She further claims that Telecel took advantage of her precarious position as a market trader for corporate advantage in a planned and abusive manner. Madam Abbey is worried that unless the court steps in, the company's actions will probably continue.
Madam Abbey is asking the High Court to make three main declarations:
1.A statement attesting to Telecel's infringement on her personal freedoms and privacy.
2.A declaration confirming that the unauthorized use of her photo violated her image rights.
1.A statement attesting to Telecel's infringement on her personal freedoms and privacy.
2.A declaration confirming that the unauthorized use of her photo violated her image rights.
3.An order requiring Telecel to pay GH¢2,000,000.00 in compensation for the alleged violations.
In addition, she is asking the court to order that all advertisements that use her image be taken down right now, whether they are on billboards, social media, or any other public venue.
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