Broadcast journalist and lawyer Serwaa Amihere has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over comments attributed to her, in which she described Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, as a “breeding ground for homosexuals.” The apology comes after PRESEC’s management issued a strongly worded statement, dated January 17, 2026, condemning the remarks as false, reckless, and deeply offensive. The school warned against the stigmatization of its students and emphasized that such claims unfairly malign its integrity and reputation.

PRESEC, a Presbyterian mission institution founded over eight decades ago, stressed that it operates on firm Christian principles, discipline, and a commitment to academic excellence, in line with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and national laws. The management unequivocally rejected any suggestion that the school promotes or tolerates conduct contrary to these values, describing such claims as a “gross misrepresentation” of its identity and mission. The school highlighted its long record of achievement, including successes in the National Science and Maths Quiz, as a reflection of its culture of intellectual rigor, discipline, teamwork, and responsible leadership.

In her apology, Ms. Amihere sought to distance herself from any intention to malign the institution or its students, acknowledging the hurt and concern her comments had generated among old students, parents, and the wider public. “I apologise to everyone who has felt slighted by the comments, especially the PRESEC community and the PRESECANS. I apologise, and I assure you that it won't happen again,” she stated, aiming to calm the tensions that erupted after her remarks went viral. While some critics argued her comments unfairly labeled students and risked exposing them to ridicule and prejudice, others viewed them as normal, friendly banter among secondary schools without ill intention.

The school’s management reiterated that statements of this nature are not only inaccurate but potentially harmful, exposing students to emotional distress and damaging the hard-earned reputation of an institution known for producing national leaders across public service, science, business, and civic life. PRESEC affirmed it would not accept or normalize such characterizations and reiterated its commitment to upholding its values, protecting the dignity of its students, and maintaining high standards of academic and moral excellence.

This incident occurred against the backdrop of a renewed national debate on LGBTQI issues in Ghana, where same-sex sexual activity is criminalized, and public opinion largely opposes the promotion or perceived endorsement of LGBTQI lifestyles, particularly within educational and religious institutions. Public sensitivity was further heightened by the recent circulation of a teacher training manual, alleged to contain guidance on addressing sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms. Despite the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) distancing themselves from the document, clarifying it was not an approved curriculum, the episode intensified discussions around schools and LGBTQI-related topics.

Amidst this contentious environment, PRESEC’s management stated the importance of setting the record straight and preventing the school from being drawn into broader ideological debates through what it described as defamatory commentary. The school reaffirmed its core mandate: delivering quality education, enforcing discipline, shaping character, and preparing young men to become principled leaders and responsible citizens, assuring stakeholders of its steadfastness in values and mission despite ongoing public controversy.