Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, the founder of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, has expressed regret to the University of Ghana for remarks he made on Thursday, October 24, 2024, during the GTV Breakfast Show.
Rev. Dr. Tetteh apologized in a statement issued on October 29 for his comments, which he said were not meant to cause harm to the university, incite fear, stigmatize the community, or mislead the public.
The preacher stated in an interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show that a significant number of university students are infected with HIV.
“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 on October 24.
“Some of these young boys and young girls already on campus are living promiscuous lives and they have already contracted HIV/AIDS. These are people I have prayed for… and I’m not talking about 10 years, 5 years,” the pastor added.
However, the University described Rev. Tetteh’s comments as “unfounded, insensitive, and disappointing” in a news release on October 24, 2024, pointing out that they are devoid of data-supported proof and run the risk of spreading stigma, fear, and false information.
His claim was deemed offensive by the organization, which denounced it and demanded an apology.
The clergyman explained in his statement today that he did not intend to single out the university or its students, but rather to draw attention to more general issues that young people face.
According to Rev. Dr. Tetteh, part of his job entails interacting with a lot of people who exchange private information regarding delicate and personal issues.
He acknowledged the unintended consequences of his remarks and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the privacy of people who confide in him.
He retracted his remarks and expressed his sincere apologies for any inconvenience his remarks may have caused.
Rev. Dr. Tetteh reiterated his regard for the organization and the confidence that people entrust to him when they confide in him about personal matters.
