Sarkodie sues Bank in Ghana for using his lookalike in advert

Ghanaian music icon Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, has filed a lawsuit against Ecobank Ghana Limited at the Commercial Division of the High Court in Accra. 

The legal action stems from allegations that the bank used an individual who closely resembles the rapper in a recent advertising campaign, without obtaining Sarkodie’s consent. According to the artist, this constitutes a violation of his intellectual property rights and personal brand.

Legal documents shared on social media indicate that Sarkodie claims the unauthorized use of his image has caused reputational harm and financial losses. In his suit, he is seeking general damages, a perpetual injunction to prevent further use of his likeness, and the removal of all associated media, both digital and print.

The controversial campaign, titled #ItsGivingScam, featured a lookalike of Sarkodie who is reportedly affiliated with First Bank Ghana as a creative. The casting decision sparked significant backlash on social media, with many users criticizing the bank for opting to use a doppelgänger rather than collaborating with King Promise, an artist who is already partnered with Ecobank.