Ola Michael didn’t hold back his disappointment when responding to recent claims by Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, who suggested that HIV infections are rising on the University of Ghana campus.

Ola, known for his candid approach, found the pastor’s comments both shallow and misleading, questioning how a public figure could make such a claim without supporting data.

“Why would a man of God, without any data, claim that there’s a rise in HIV infections on the UG campus?” Ola asked, highlighting the lack of a scientific basis for Tetteh’s assertion and calling into question the pastor’s credibility on the subject.

Ola emphasized the need for responsibility when discussing sensitive public health issues, especially those as impactful as HIV.

Without data to back up such statements, he noted, they become nothing more than hearsay—potentially harmful and stigmatizing rumours.

“Before making such claims, there should be data that states they have tested the hypothesis and these are the findings,” Ola argued, stressing the need for scientific rigour.

He called on public figures to base their remarks on verifiable information, especially when addressing health topics that can create stigma.

The Okay FM presenter pointed out that Tetteh, not being a scientist or affiliated with the AIDS Commission, lacks the authority to make sweeping public health claims. “How did you know?” Ola questioned. “Or was it based on hearsay?”

By asking these questions, he highlighted the broader responsibility leaders have to communicate responsibly, especially regarding issues that impact young people directly.

In Ghana, public health authorities have documented that young adults, particularly those between ages 15 and 24, are at a higher risk for new infections, but they caution that this information should be conveyed with empathy and accuracy to foster awareness rather than fear.

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