Renowned Ghanaian Hip-Life artiste, Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, has initiated legal action against Ecobank Ghana, citing infringement of his intellectual property rights. The musician alleges that the bank used his image for promotional and commercial purposes without his consent, prompting him to file a lawsuit on March 25, 2025.
According to the details outlined in the suit, Sarkodie is seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent Ecobank Ghana from further using or associating his likeness with any of its products or services.
The rapper contends that such use is not only unauthorized but also a violation of his image rights under Ghanaian law, which protects individuals from the commercial exploitation of their personal likenesses without permission.
Sarkodie, one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians and a multiple award-winning artiste, maintains that his image and brand carry significant commercial value. The suit claims that Ecobank Ghana benefited from this value without entering into any formal agreement or acquiring the requisite permissions. He is, therefore, demanding substantial monetary compensation as damages for the alleged misuse of his image.
The legal proceedings underscore the increasing awareness and enforcement of intellectual property rights within Ghana’s entertainment and business ecosystems. As artists and celebrities continue to build personal brands, the commercial use of their images by corporations without consent is increasingly being challenged in the courts.
This lawsuit could set a legal precedent in Ghana regarding the rights of public figures over their images and how corporate entities must obtain appropriate clearances before featuring such personalities in marketing campaigns.
At the time of this report, Ecobank Ghana, the country’s largest bank by asset valuation, had not issued an official statement or response to the lawsuit. Industry analysts suggest that the bank may either opt for an out-of-court settlement or prepare to contest the matter in what could be a landmark legal case involving a high-profile Ghanaian celebrity.
Sarkodie’s legal team is expected to push for swift resolution, citing reputational risks and ongoing concerns about unauthorized brand associations. Meanwhile, supporters of the artist have rallied behind him on social media, applauding his stance on protecting creative and personal rights.
The case continues to unfold, and all eyes are on how Ghana’s judicial system will address this high-stakes clash between artistic identity and corporate conduct.
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