Public discussions around HIV/AIDS must be grounded in verified facts, not speculation – UG to Lawrence Tetteh

The management of the University of Ghana has reacted to a statement by Rev. Lawrence Tetteh regarding alleged HIV infections among students at the university.

According to the university, Rev Lawrence Tetteh’s remark was “insensitive and highly disappointing. His claims are totally unfounded and not supported by available data.”

Rev Lawrence Tetteh while speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 24, 2024 said. “the number of young boys and girls in Legon, who are HIV positive, you will have the biggest shock of your life. This is sad, and I am happy I am saying this on national TV.”

“Some of these young girls and young boys already on campuses, are living promiscuous life and they have already contracted HIV/AIDS,” he said.

“There are people I have prayed for on campus and I am not talking about 10 years, 5 years, 2 years [ago] or infact in the past. This is present, I go to campus a lot, but it is sad. And if some of them tell you how they get into it, because what is happening is that, some of these girls go to the places and then when they come back, they also connect with the boys and girls there, so a lot of people think they are getting a [fresh] boy, a [fresh] girl but …”

But in a press statement dated October 24, 2024 and signed by Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, the Director of Public Affairs Directorate, the University of Ghana stated that Rev Lawrence Tetteh’s remark was “insensitive and highly disappointing. His claims are totally unfounded and not supported by available data.”

It said it must be noted that public discussions around HIV/AIDS must be grounded in verified facts, not speculation.

“HIV status cannot be determined through counselling or prayer; scientific methods remain the only means for diagnosing infections. Statements made without data-backed evidence mislead the public and risk amplifying fear, stigma and misinformation,” the university stated.

It added that “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 indiiduals 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 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

Attached below is the full responds from UG

UG RESPONDS TO UNFOUNDED CLAIMS ON HIV PREVALENCE AMONG STUDENTS BY REV. LAWRENCE TETTEH

Management of the University of Ghana has noted with grave concern the recent public statements by Rev. Lawrence Tetteh regarding alleged HIV infections among students at the University. The University finds his remarks on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 24, 2024, insensitive and highly disappointing. His claims are totally unfounded and not supported by available data.

It must be noted that:

• Public discussions around HIV/AIDS must be grounded in verified facts, not speculation.

• HIV status cannot be determined through counselling or prayer; scientific methods remain the only means for diagnosing infections. Statements made without data-backed evidence mislead the public and risk amplifying fear, stigma and misinformation.

• 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 indiiduals 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 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.We assure the University community and the public of our support to all students by providing full access to proper medical care and counselling services. We urge the media and the public to approach sensitive health matters with responsibility and caution, focusing on verified facts rather than unfounded claims.Through this communication, the University expresses its displeasure regarding the discussion on the GTV Breakfast Show and requests an apology and retraction from Rev. Tetteh and GTV.