Ghanaian rap superstar Sarkodie (real name Michael Owusu Addo) has filed a lawsuit against Ecobank Ghana at the Commercial Division of the High Court in Accra. The legal action stems from the bank’s alleged unauthorized use of a Sarkodie lookalike in its recent #ItsGivingScam advertising campaign.
The Controversy Explained
Sarkodie claims Ecobank featured an individual with a striking resemblance to him in promotional materials without his consent, violating his image rights and intellectual property. The rapper, through his legal team, argues that this unauthorized representation has caused financial and reputational harm.
Legal Demands
In the court filing, Sarkodie seeks:
✔ General damages for reputational and financial losses
✔ A permanent injunction preventing Ecobank from further using his likeness
✔ Immediate removal of all related ads (digital and print)
ICYMT: Ghana seizes diplomatic window to push for zero tariffs on key exports
Public Backlash & Social Media Reactions
The campaign, which featured a Sarkodie doppelgänger reportedly signed to First Bank Ghana, sparked outrage online. Critics questioned why Ecobank didn’t use King Promise—an artist already endorsed by the bank—instead of a lookalike.
Pop culture journalist Olele Salvador was among the first to call out the issue on X (formerly Twitter):
“Dear @EcobankGhanaPLC, whose idea was this? Why use a doppelgänger of a talent signed to @FirstBankGhana under #ItsGivingScam? Explain this image rights infringement!”
Broader Implications
The case highlights growing concerns over:
🔹 Celebrity image rights in advertising
🔹 Ethical marketing practices by corporations
🔹 Legal protections for public figures in the digital age
As the lawsuit unfolds, industry experts are watching closely—this could set a major precedent for brand endorsements and intellectual property law in Ghana.
What’s Next?
Ecobank has yet to issue an official statement. Meanwhile, Sarkodie’s legal team is pushing for a swift resolution.
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
