Broadcast journalist and lawyer Serwaa Amihere has issued a public apology after comments attributed to her describing Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, as a “breeding ground for homosexuals” sparked widespread criticism.
The apology follows a strong response from the school’s management, which earlier described the remarks as false, reckless and deeply offensive, warning that they unfairly stigmatised students and damaged the institution’s reputation.
In her statement, Ms Amihere said she regretted the impact of her comments and apologised to those who felt offended, particularly members of the PRESEC community.
“I apologise to everyone who has felt slighted by the comments, especially the PRESEC community and the PRESECANS,” she said. “I apologise, and I assure you that it won’t happen again.”
Her apology comes amid growing public debate, with the remarks drawing sharp reactions from alumni, parents and sections of the public after they circulated widely on social media.
Critics argued that the comments risked exposing students to ridicule and prejudice, while undermining the standing of one of Ghana’s most prominent secondary schools. Others, however, suggested the statement amounted to informal banter common among rival schools, rather than a deliberate attack.
In a statement issued on 17 January, PRESEC management rejected that interpretation, insisting that the characterisation was unacceptable regardless of intent.
The school emphasised that it is a Presbyterian mission institution, founded more than 80 years ago and grounded in Christian values, discipline and academic excellence. It said any suggestion that it promotes or tolerates conduct contrary to those principles was a misrepresentation of its identity.
Management also warned that public statements of that nature could cause emotional harm to students and erode public confidence in the school’s moral and educational foundations.
The apology appears to have eased tensions, although the incident has reignited broader discussions in Ghana about public discourse, school reputations and the sensitivity surrounding LGBTQI-related issues, which remain socially and politically contentious in the country.
PRESEC has not yet issued a further response to the apology.