Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, founder of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach, has apologized to the University of Ghana (UG) over his recent controversial HIV comments on GTV’s Breakfast Show.
During the broadcast, Rev. Dr. Tetteh asserted that a “significant number” of students at UG were HIV-positive, linking this to “promiscuous behaviour on campus.”
His remarks swiftly ignited public apprehension and disapproval.
During the interview, Rev. Dr. Tetteh stated: “The number of young boys and girls in Legon who are HIV positive would shock you.”
The University issued a statement emphasizing the importance of evidence-based discussions regarding HIV/AIDS, highlighting that public remarks lacking data-supported evidence may contribute to fear and stigma.
The University’s statement emphasized that precise HIV diagnosis can solely be achieved through scientific methods.
“Only scientific methods are valid for diagnosing infections,” the university’s response stated, emphasizing that HIV status cannot be determined through “counselling or prayer.”
Rev. Dr. Tetteh issued a statement to clarify his intentions and expressed regret for any distress that may have been caused.
He clarified that his remarks were intended to tackle wider societal concerns affecting young people, rather than to single out UG students in particular.
“I apologise sincerely to the University of Ghana and the public for any distress my comments may have caused,” he said, noting that his views stemmed from years of counselling young people facing personal challenges.
Rev. Dr. Tetteh reiterated his commitment to confidentiality and acknowledged the unintended consequences of his remarks, assuring the public that his aim was not to spread fear or stigma but to raise awareness of youth-related social issues.
