The University of Ghana has strongly refuted statements made by Rev. Lawrence Tetteh, Founder and President of World Miracle Outreach, regarding HIV prevalence among students. In an interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show on October 24, Rev. Tetteh claimed there was a high rate of HIV infections among students at the university, describing it as “shocking” and “sad.”

“The number of boys and girls in Legon who are HIV positive, you would have the biggest shock of your life. This is sad, this is sad, and I’m happy I’m saying this on national TV,” he said. Rev. Tetteh added that some students were living “promiscuous lives” and had already contracted HIV/AIDS, based on his experiences praying for them.

In response, the University issued a press release the same day, denouncing Rev. Tetteh’s statements as “unfounded, insensitive, and disappointing.” The University emphasized that such claims lack data-backed evidence and could promote fear, stigma, and misinformation. Highlighting that HIV status can only be confirmed through scientific diagnostic methods, not through prayer or counseling, the statement called for public discussions on HIV/AIDS to be grounded in verified facts to protect the dignity and confidentiality of those affected.

The statement, signed by Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of the Public Affairs Directorate, also outlined the University’s proactive health and wellness initiatives. These include compulsory medical exams provided by the University Health Services Directorate and confidential counseling services offered through the Careers and Counselling Directorate.

The University further requested that Rev. Tetteh and GTV issue a formal apology and retract the statements, urging both the media and the public to approach sensitive health topics responsibly, with a focus on accurate information over unsubstantiated claims.

See a screenshot of the press release below..