In the heart of Accra’s bustling Makola Market, where the symphony of trade never quiets, one woman’s voice has risen above the noise—not through protest, but through the law.
According to GhanaRegions.com, Faustina Djagbele Abbey, a veteran onion seller or onion trader, who is in her early 60s, has launched a landmark GH¢2 million lawsuit against Telecel Ghana, accusing the telecom giant of violating her privacy and exploiting her image without consent.
But Abbey is more than just the plaintiff in a legal battle. She is a mother, a businesswoman, and a respected figure in Ghana’s informal economy.
Who Is Faustina Djagbele Abbey?
Age: In her early 60s
Home: Housing Down, Adenta (a suburb of Accra)
Origin: Ghanaian
Occupation: Market woman (specializing in onions)
Experience: Over 40 years in the onion trade
Market Stall: “KwasiaDwaso” Market, near Makola, Accra
Family: Mother of three adult children
Community Standing: Known widely within and outside the Makola area, with “uncountable” loyal customers—many of whom she has served for nearly four decades.
Makola Onion Seller, Abbey’s stall is not just a point of sale—it is a pillar of community life. Her story is woven into the daily rhythm of the city, and her face is well known to generations of shoppers. And it is this very familiarity that has now thrust her into national headlines.
The Lawsuit Against Telecel Ghana
A civil suit filed at the Accra High Court reveals that Abbey is demanding:
GH¢2 million in damages
A public apology
An injunction to prevent further use of her image
A declaration that Telecel’s actions were unlawful
The case centers on Telecel Ghana, the telecommunications brand operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, which has a massive nationwide customer base and high media visibility.
According to Abbey, the company used her image without her consent in promotional materials for its “Telecel Red Save” product—an advertisement that was featured across social media, digital platforms, and billboards.
Violation of Rights and Personal Harm
The legal filing argues that the use of Abbey’s likeness was:
Unauthorized: She was not informed, nor did she sign any release or agreement.
Invasive: Her face was made to represent a product with which she had no association.
Harmful: The unintended exposure has disrupted her life, with people falsely believing she received financial compensation or endorsement deals.
Abbey claims the ordeal has caused mental distress, strained her long-standing relationships, and tainted her reputation as a self-made businesswoman with an unblemished name.
Legal Grounds
Abbey’s legal team cites multiple statutory and constitutional protections, including:
Article 18 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana (right to privacy)
Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), which regulates how personal data—including images—can be collected and used
Her attorney, Bernard Owiredu Donkor, argues that Telecel Ghana had a legal and ethical duty to obtain her informed consent before using her image for commercial purposes.
Telecel’s Response
In a carefully worded press statement, Telecel Ghana acknowledged the lawsuit and pledged to cooperate fully with the court process. The company reaffirmed its commitment to responsible marketing and data privacy, while urging the public to await the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Why This Case Matters
Faustina Abbey’s case is more than a personal fight—it represents a wider push for accountability in how corporations handle image rights, particularly in developing economies where informal workers often lack access to legal remedies.
Implications:
Stronger privacy rights enforcement
Heightened standards for corporate advertising
Empowerment of everyday citizens against media exploitation
This lawsuit could set a precedent in Ghana and beyond, proving that no one is too small to seek justice when wronged by powerful institutions.
Legacy in Motion
Faustina Djagbele Abbey is not just suing for herself. She’s standing for every Ghanaian whose image, story, or voice has ever been used without permission. She is, as always, selling onions at KwasiaDwaso Market—but now, she is also selling a powerful message: Respect is not optional, and consent is not a courtesy—it’s a right.
