KEY POINTS
- Rev. Tetteh apologizes to the University of Ghana over HIV remarks.
- University demands retraction, labelling comments as unfounded.
- Tetteh clarified he intended to address general youth issues.
The founder of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, issued an apology to the University of Ghana following comments he made on Oct. 24, 2024, during an appearance on GTV’s Breakfast Show.
Tetteh apologizes for comments made on national television
In an Oct. 29 statement, Tetteh clarified that his comments were not intended to disparage the university, incite fear, create stigma, or mislead the public.
During the Breakfast Show interview, Tetteh discussed what he described as a “high prevalence of HIV infections” among students at the University of Ghana. He stated, “The number of HIV-positive boys and girls in Legon… you would have the biggest shock of your life. I’m glad to be expressing this on national television, yet it’s sad.”
He continued by stating that “some of these young boys and girls are living promiscuous lives and have already contracted HIV/AIDS. I have prayed for these people,” he said, emphasizing his extensive experience dealing with such cases. In response, the university issued a statement on Oct. 24 describing Tetteh’s remarks as “unfounded, insensitive, and disappointing.” The institution claimed his statements lacked supporting evidence and posed a risk of spreading stigma, fear, and misinformation, demanding a retraction.
Rev. Tetteh explains broader intent of his statements
According to MyJoyOnline, Tetteh explained in hi s=apology that he intended to address broader issues affecting youth rather than specifically targeting the university or its students. He emphasized that, as part of his work, he often has sensitive conversations with individuals who trust him with personal matters, some of whom have shared their struggles with him confidentially.
“It is regrettable that in discussing youth challenges, I associated them with students of the University of Ghana, which has understandably raised concerns within the university community,” Tetteh stated. He then offered a retraction of his previous statements and reiterated his respect for the institution and the trust placed in him by those who confide in him.
