The Founder and President of World Miracle Outreach, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, has rendered a heartfelt apology to the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, over his “level of HIV infections at UG is shocking” comment.
Speaking during a panel discussion on Thursday, October 31, 2024, on the state broadcaster, GTV, where he initially made the said comment a week ago, the pastor stated that he never intended to denigrate the image of the nation’s premier university.
“Let me unconditionally say sorry to the University of Ghana, Legon. I think most people will not know that I have had a long-standing relationship with the University of Ghana. But for my scholarship to Hungary, I would have been a product of the University of Ghana. And some of us walking through the corridors and having drunk from that well, we would not just throw it into the pit. I must also say that I’ve done a lot of programmes for the University of Ghana. Even as a man of God, I’ve spoken in conferences and seminars, I’ve organised crusades. I’ve also been a blessing to the university in diverse ways.
“The last thing I want to do is undermine the credibility of a serious university like Legon. I apologise unconditionally. My message last week was not intended to undermine the credibility of the school. I was talking about the children. I think as a parent, a father and a clergy member, I felt I hold the responsibility of cautioning the children. And so if it has not sunk very well, I stand here today in the spirit of maturity and respect for the university and also respect for peace. I say sorry, sorry unconditionally. I apologise and I mean it,” he said.
The pastor also stated that it was a mistake for him to mention the University of Ghana during his remarks on the spreading of HIV.
He explained that he was only trying to caution the youth about how HIV was spreading among them.
“I also want to put on record that we should pray for our youth. It was unfortunate that I zeroed in on the University of Ghana when I could have generalised it. That in the days we live in, our youth are too open and we should help them. And as parents, we should all be instruments of help to the generation.
“But let me use this medium to say sorry to the leadership, the management, the vice chancellor, the chancellor and the entire staff and student body of the University of Ghana, Legon. And I want to say, I say this thing wholeheartedly from my heart,” he reiterated.
What Lawrence Tetteh said:
Speaking on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh was particularly worried about the rising number of HIV infections among students.
He indicated that the virus is spreading among students because of the high levels of promiscuity among them.
He added that the level of HIV infections at the nation’s premier university, the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, is astonishing.
“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.
“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 said.
He added, “It is sad. And if some of them tell you how they get into it, what is happening is that some of these girls go to the place and when they come back they also connect to the boys and girls there. So, a lot of people think that they are getting a boy, they are getting a girl then it (HIV) spreads.”
Watch his apology in the video below:
Legon HIV/AIDS Allegation: The Last thing I will want to do is to undermine the credibility of a serious university like Legon -Lawrence Tetteh apologizes to University of Ghana, Legon#GTVBreakfast#UniversityofGhana#AIDS pic.twitter.com/SXAQLU3Gb7
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) October 31, 2024
BAI/AE
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