Unremorseful Rev. Tetteh Fails To Render Apology

…Days After His HIV/AIDS Allegation At UG

By Gifty Arthur

The founder and president of the World Miracle Outreach, Rev. Lawrence Nene Kofi Tetteh, is yet to retract, let alone apologize, following his recent public remarks that several students at the University of Ghana, Legon, are infected with HIV/AIDS.

Though management of the University, has strongly refuted the allegation and demanded retraction and apology from Rev. Lawrence Tetteh, the preacher, is yet to eat the humble pie and do the needful, despite the sensitive nature of the issue.

It is also unclear, whether the nation’s broadcaster, GTV, has rendered the apology, given the backlash.

Meanwhile, authorities of the University, have allayed fears of parents, insisting claims by the celebrity pastor are “totally unfounded and not supported by available data”.

According to the premier university, there is no such survey or report backing this claim made by the global evangelist.

The Ghanaian televangelist during a discussion on GTV’s Breakfast show, on Thursday, October 24, reportedly said that he has become aware of several students of UG, infected with the incurable disease.

He claimed some of these students, have come to him for prayers and counselling, adding that the situation was alarming, stressing the need for authorities to do something about it.

“The number of boys and girls at Legon, who are HIV positive will give you the biggest shock of your life. This is sad and I’m pleased to bring this issue to light on national television”.

According to Rev. Tetteh, “Some of these young boys and girls already on campus are living promiscuous lives and have already contracted HIV/AIDS. These are people I have prayed for…and I’m not talking about 10 years of 5 years,”

It is sad. If some of them tell you how they got it, what is happening is that some of these girls go to certain places and when they come back, they also connect with the boys and girls there. So, a lot of people think that they getting a boy or a girl and then it its spreads”, he said on the programme.

The ‘Man of God’ also stated on the Show that, he was happy to have brought the issue on national television, even though some have rebuked him for doing so, saying it was unethical on his part.

The pastor’s pronouncement, which went viral, was seen by some as causing fear and panic.

The Anchor has gathered that, the issue was first raised by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Ayawaso West Wuogon Assembly, Sandra Owusu.

The MCE, is reported to have said in a report that, about 80 percent of prostitutes in the East Legon enclave, have contracted the disease.

Rev Lawrence Tetteh, in contributing to the discussion on the GTV, claimed many of these night workers are from the university.

But apparently this has not gone done well with Management of the university, prompting a quick rejoinder to debunk the claim.

In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Dr Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, found the comments by the Man of God as, “insensitive” and highly disappointing,” adding “His claims are totally unfounded and not supported by available data”.

The University, emphasized that HIV status, can only be determined through scientific diagnostic methods and not through counselling or prayer.

“Public discussions around HIV/AIDS must be grounded in verified facts, not speculation,” the statement added, stressing that unfounded comment may sensationalize the issue, potentially undermining the confidentiality and dignity of those affected.

“Handling sensitive health information requires the highest ethical standards. Also, linking HIV prevalence to specific demographics or institutions, especially without evidence, leans toward sensationalism rather than meaningful health awareness.

Such statements risk undermining the confidentiality of individuals who may have entrusted their health information in confidence. It is, therefore, disappointing that Rev. Tetteh, given his standing, would make such comments without regard for the privacy and dignity of those affected”.

The statement, further outlined measures it had put in place when it comes to health and wellness.

“The University of Ghana has implemented comprehensive health and wellness measures for the University community, including compulsory medical exams conducted by the University Health Services Directorate and confidential counselling through our Careers and Counselling Directorate for students.

Our commitment to a transformative student experience ensures that health, privacy and support services are top priorities on all our campuses”.

While, assuring the University community and the public of their support to all students by providing full access to proper medical care and counselling services, the statement urged the media and the public to handle sensitive issues responsibly, emphasizing the need to fact-check issues before they are made public.

The University, has since demanded a retraction and apology from Rev Tetteh and the television station.