Renowned Ghanaian musician Michael Owusu Addo, known as Sarkodie, and his legal representatives have firmly denied reports suggesting they are withdrawing from the ongoing lawsuit against Ecobank Ghana Limited.
In an official statement, Sarkodie’s legal team, the Robeth Smith Law Group, dismissed these claims as “baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attack on their client’s integrity.” They also cautioned media outlets against spreading unverified information, warning that such “prejudicial publications” could lead to legal repercussions.
Background of the Case
The legal dispute arises from allegations that Ecobank Ghana featured an individual resembling Sarkodie in an advertising campaign without his consent. The rapper asserts that this unauthorized use of his likeness violates his intellectual property rights, causing reputational harm and financial losses.
Reliefs Sought by Sarkodie
In the lawsuit, Sarkodie is seeking:
- General damages for the alleged infringement.
- A permanent injunction to prevent Ecobank from further using his image.
- An immediate directive to remove all related promotional content from digital and print media.
The controversial campaign, titled #ItsGivingScam, included a lookalike of Sarkodie reportedly linked to First Bank Ghana. This decision sparked significant backlash on social media, with critics questioning Ecobank’s judgment and suggesting they feature King Promise, an artist already associated with the brand.
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False Claims of Withdrawal
Recent media reports claimed that Sarkodie instructed his legal team to discontinue the lawsuit, while Ecobank intended to pursue the matter. However, the Robeth Smith Law Group has vehemently denied these assertions, reaffirming their commitment to seeking justice for their client.
Final Warning to Media
Sarkodie’s legal team has issued a strong advisory to media outlets and online platforms, urging them to verify information before publication. They emphasized that any further false or defamatory reports would be met with appropriate legal action. The case remains active, with both parties expected to continue following legal protocols.
