Accra, Ghana – Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has vehemently denied allegations of making predictions about the likelihood of numerous deaths from heart diseases. He expressed concern that individuals have been using his identity, images, and AI-generated voices falsely attributed to him to promote counterfeit drugs and nutritional supplements.
In an official statement, Professor Frimpong-Boateng issued a stern warning to those involved in such deceptive activities to stop immediately. He emphasized the misuse of his persona and criticized the slow progress of the police investigation, despite filing complaints at the CID headquarters regarding these fraudulent advertisements.
“I have not predicted nor given any interviews to any media outlet regarding the number of people expected to die from heart diseases in Ghana. I have also not given any interviews indicating my unique treatment methods for various chronic diseases. These stories are not only false but also criminal, with the sole intent to deceive the public and damage my reputation,” declared Professor Frimpong-Boateng.
Furthermore, the former Minister urged the public to ignore any advertisements featuring his image or name soliciting the purchase of drugs. He also voiced his hope that the individuals involved in the fraudulent activities will be brought to justice.
For several weeks, there have been reports of nefarious online activities using Prof. Frimpong- Boateng’s name and pictures to sell fake drugs and nutritional supplements. Additionally, criminals have been using AI-generated voices purported to be the Professor to further their scheme.
These criminal elements have gone as far as publishing fake news stories claiming that the Professor had predicted that more than 50,000 people will die of heart disease in Ghana by the end of 2023. The story even advertised various fake drugs, claiming that they were used by the Professor to treat people with several listed conditions.
The Professor has lodged complaints at the CID headquarters about these fake adverts with his name, and although little progress has been made, he remains hopeful that the criminals will be brought to book. He urged the general public to disregard any advert with his image or name soliciting people to purchase drugs for various illnesses.
This statement comes as a response to ongoing fraudulent activities that have exploited Professor Frimpong-Boateng’s identity and reputation. The issue underscores the potential dangers and criminal implications of using someone’s identity and image for deceptive purposes in the marketing of fraudulent products.