The University of Ghana has refuted recent alarming claims regarding an alleged HIV outbreak among students on its Legon campus. In a statement released on October 25, 2024, the university management addressed comments made by Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, who claimed on GTV’s Breakfast Show that a significant number of University of Ghana students were HIV positive.
University officials described Rev. Tetteh’s remarks as “insensitive and highly disappointing,” stating that his assertions are “totally unfounded and not supported by available data.” The statement emphasized that any public discourse on HIV/AIDS must be grounded in verified information rather than conjecture, warning that baseless statements can amplify stigma, fear, and misinformation.
“The University finds his remarks… insensitive and highly disappointing. His claims are totally unfounded,” the statement read, stressing that such discussions must rely on scientific diagnosis rather than unverified reports. Officials also highlighted that using sensitive health information to link HIV prevalence to specific groups or institutions, especially without supporting evidence, risks fueling unnecessary panic.
To reassure the public, the University of Ghana outlined its health and wellness initiatives, which include mandatory medical exams conducted by the University Health Services Directorate and confidential counseling through the Careers and Counselling Directorate. The university affirmed that these protocols help maintain a secure, supportive environment for its students and staff.
The university’s leadership also expressed disappointment that a public figure of Rev. Tetteh’s stature would make unsubstantiated statements, disregarding the confidentiality and dignity of individuals who may be affected. They urged the public to rely on credible sources for health information and underscored the university’s commitment to protecting the privacy and health of its community.
In conclusion, the university firmly dispelled any claims of an HIV outbreak on campus and demanded that Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh retract his statements to prevent further misinformation.
