Makola Onion Seller Files GH¢2 Million Lawsuit Against Telecel for Alleged Privacy Violation.

Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, a well-known onion vendor at “KwasiaDwaso,” close to Makola Market, has sued Telecel Ghana for GH¢2 million, claiming that the telecom provider violated her privacy by utilising her portrait in a national advertising without getting her permission.

In a statement, Madam Abbey claims that “Telecel Red Save,” a digital savings product offered through the Telecel Cash network, was advertised using her picture.

Users are encouraged to save money and earn interest by the product. Madam Abbey, however, claims that she was never notified and that she never gave her consent for her picture to be used on billboards, in print media, and on social media.

Customers started praising her for her social media presence in February 2025, which is when the onion vendor says she first learnt about the illegal use. Soon, what began as awe gave way to pressure and mockery.

“Neighbours, churchgoers, and other market women started treating me differently, some with laughter, others with expectation, thinking that because she was associated with the brand, she had become wealthy,” she said.

Emotional stress and social discomfort were noted as a result of the unintentional exposure.

Certain individuals of the community started asking her for money, believing she had received a substantial payment for the advertising effort.

In addition to GH¢2,000,000 in compensation for the violation of her privacy and personal freedoms, Madam Abbey is also seeking a court order compelling Telecel Ghana to remove all billboards and media advertisements that feature her image.

Key issues about image rights, consent, and corporate responsibility in Ghana’s advertising sector are brought up in this case, which is currently before the High Court.