Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has strongly refuted allegations of making predictions regarding the likelihood of numerous deaths from heart diseases.

He expressed concern that certain individuals have been exploiting his identity, using both his images and AI-generated voices falsely attributed to him to market counterfeit drugs and nutritional supplements.

In an official disclaimer, Professor Frimpong-Boateng issued a stern warning to those engaging in such deceptive activities to cease immediately. He highlighted the misuse of his persona and deplored the sluggish progress of the police investigation, despite lodging complaints at the CID headquarters concerning these fraudulent advertisements.

“I wish to state and place on record that I have not predicted nor granted any interview to any media outlet about the number of people going to die from heart diseases in Ghana. I have equally not granted any media interview, indicating to people my unique treatment methods for various chronic diseases. These stories are not only fake but criminal with the sole intent to deceive the general public with my reputation being put on the line.”

“I have lodged complaints at the CID headquarters about these fake adverts with my name, and though little has been done, it is my hope these criminals will be brought to book.”

Professor Frimpong-Boateng urged the public to dismiss any advertisements featuring his image or name soliciting the purchase of drugs. “I urge the general public to disregard any advert with my image or name soliciting people to purchase drugs for various illnesses,” he cautioned.

Read Prof. Frimpong-Boateng's statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

DISCLAIMER ON FAKE DRUG ADVERTS

For several weeks now, I have been inundated with many calls with concerns on various nefarious online activities with Prof. Frimpong- Boateng’s name and pictures.  For months, these criminals have been using not only my pictures but also AI-generated voices purported to be me to sell fake drugs and nutritional supplements.

These criminal elements have gone further to publish fake news stories claiming I had predicted that more than 50,000 people will die of heart disease in Ghana by the end of 2023. The story went further to advertise various fake drugs they claim I have used to treat people with several listed conditions.

I wish to state and place on record that, I have not predicted nor granted any interview to any media outlet about the number of people going to die from heart disease in Ghana.

I have equally not granted any media interview indicating to people my unique treatment methods for various chronic diseases.

These stories are not only fake but criminal with the sole intent to deceive the general public with my reputation being put on the line.

I have lodged complaints at the CID headquarters about these fake adverts with my name, and though little has been done, it is my hope these criminals will be brought to book.

I urge the general public to disregard any advert with my image or name soliciting people to purchase drugs for various illnesses.

Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng

Accra, January 18, 2024