Renowned Ghanaian rapper Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, has filed a lawsuit against Ecobank Ghana Limited at the High Court, Commercial Division, in Accra. The writ, issued on March 26, 2025, alleges that the bank unlawfully used his image in promotional materials without his consent.
According to court documents, Sarkodie is seeking a declaration that the bank’s actions amount to a violation of his intellectual property rights, as well as a breach of Ghana’s Protection Against Unfair Competition Act, 2000 (Act 589).
“The Plaintiff contends that the Defendant published his image with its product without seeking or obtaining his consent. This constitutes an infringement of the Plaintiff’s rights and is an act of unfair competition,” the statement of claim reads.
The award-winning artist is requesting a perpetual injunction to restrain Ecobank, its agents, and assigns from further using his image without approval. He is also demanding that the bank withdraw all existing publications featuring his likeness and pay damages for the alleged breach.
The reaction to the suit has, however, been swift, with netizens wondering whether the rapper cannot identify himself from his look-alikes.
Read some of the comments:
#FixTheCountry @GHDeservesBest comments, “But that’s not even him in the picture. The guy is just hungry. His corrupt NPP party lost by 38%, and they’re never coming back to power again, so no more free money. Now he’s back to ‘gari soakings’ and trying to use takashi means to chop some bank money.
Eric Etse @Ericetse writes: This is not Sark, it is his look alike!
David A. @DavidAppiahPR: I knew it. I thought the risks were just too many and not worth the trouble. But people thought it was brilliant.
DeLightBringer Kiko ☀️ @KSnetne: You forgot to mention that he is also requesting for cost to be awarded to him. Wei nyinaa y3 sika s3m. Man dey find next pay cheque so badly?
