Sarkodie sues Ecobank over use of Image in anti-fraud campaign

In a twist that is generating significant buzz across the entertainment and financial sectors, Ghanaian rap icon Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, has initiated legal action against Ecobank Ghana Limited for allegedly using his image in an anti-fraud campaign without his consent.

The campaign in question, titled “Looks Can Be Deceiving” and promoted under the hashtag #ItsGivingScam, was launched by Ecobank as part of its awareness drive to educate the public about fraud, deception, and online scams.

The campaign stresses that scams are often cleverly disguised as legitimate offers or requests, hence the emphasis that appearances can be misleading.

However, amidst the campaign’s rollout, it emerged that the image of Sarkodie had been used in promotional materials, which prompted the rapper to file a lawsuit against the bank at the Commercial Division of the High Court.

In his statement of claim, Sarkodie alleges that Ecobank published his image in connection with their product without seeking or receiving his permission.

He asserts that this action constitutes a breach of his intellectual property rights, and more importantly, violates the Protection Against Unfair Competition Act, 2000 (Act 589).

He is seeking the following reliefs from the court:

1. A declaration that Ecobank’s conduct is a breach of his intellectual property rights.

2. A declaration that the use of his image violates Ghana’s Protection Against Unfair Competition laws.

3. A perpetual injunction restraining Ecobank, its agents, and assigns from using his image in association with its products without his consent.

4. An order directing the immediate withdrawal of all publications containing his image.

5. Compensatory damages for the unauthorized use of his likeness.

6. Legal costs arising from the lawsuit.

The writ of summons instructs Ecobank to respond within eight days of receiving the court order, or risk judgment being passed in their absence.

The legal battle brings to light a broader issue regarding image rights and intellectual property protection in Ghana, particularly in corporate marketing and advertising.

Public figures, especially creatives and entertainers, have increasingly emphasized the need for legal safeguards around the commercial use of their personas.

This is not the first time a high-profile personality has challenged corporate Ghana over unauthorized use of their image. But with Sarkodie being one of Africa’s most influential artists, the case is poised to spark a renewed national conversation about respecting creative ownership and the ethics of corporate marketing.

Meanwhile, Ecobank has not issued an official response to the suit. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how companies in Ghana approach branding and endorsement rights in the future.