The Management of Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC, Legon) says a comment attributed to media personality and lawyer Serwaa Amihere, describing the school as “a breeding ground for homosexuals,” is a misrepresentation of its values and identity.

In a statement, management said it had taken serious note of the remark and described it as “false, reckless, and deeply offensive.”

The school noted that the comment amounts to “an irresponsible generalisation that maligns our students, undermines the integrity of our institution, and seeks to attach a stigma to a school with a proud legacy of discipline, excellence, and moral formation.”

PRESEC stressed that it is a Presbyterian mission institution founded and run on strong Christian principles, with over eight decades of commitment to academic excellence, discipline, leadership, character development, and the moral upbringing of young men.

Management said any claim suggesting otherwise is “a gross misrepresentation of who we are and what we stand for,” adding that the school operates in line with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the laws of the Republic of Ghana.

The school further pointed to its long-standing academic and moral record, noting that PRESEC has consistently ranked among Ghana’s leading secondary institutions and has produced generations of men who have served society with honour in academia, public service, science, business, faith, and civic life.

According to management, the school’s repeated successes at the National Science and Maths Quiz reflect “a culture of intellectual rigour, discipline, teamwork, confidence, and responsible leadership,” rather than the “defamatory narrative being circulated.”

Management warned that such statements are not only inaccurate but harmful, as they “unfairly label and expose young students to ridicule, prejudice, and emotional harm,” while also attempting to damage the reputation of an institution that has made significant contributions to national development. PRESEC said it “will not accept or normalise such characterisations.”

The statement also expressed appreciation to parents, alumni, students, and the general public for their continued trust and support, assuring stakeholders that the school remains committed to upholding its values, protecting the dignity of its students, and maintaining high standards of excellence and character formation.

PRESEC reaffirmed its focus on its core mandate of delivering quality education, enforcing discipline, shaping character, and preparin young men to become principled leaders and responsible citizens.

However Serwaa has since issued an apology after the reaction of the Management of Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon.

The statement triggered widespread backlash, prompting Amihere to publicly express regret. “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 said.

The issue arose at a time when national debate over LGBTQI matters in Ghana had intensified, in a country where same-sex relations are illegal and public opinion is largely against them.

The discussion was further inflamed by the circulation of an unapproved teacher training manual, which raised concerns that LGBTQI topics were being introduced into schools—claims the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service have strongly denied.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has assured that his government will not promote LGBTQ+ activities.

During his meeting with Christian community leaders on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 when he was aspiring to be president, spoke candidly about same-sex relationships, affirming his Christian beliefs and asserting that LGBTQ+ practices have no place in the church.

He pointed out that the current president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has not significantly contributed to addressing the issue, particularly by not signing the anti-gay bill into law.

Reassuring the clergymen, Mahama emphasized that, should he regain the presidency, there would be no tolerance for such practices in any form.

Read exactly what he said that got the entire room of religious leaders on their feet below:

“My fathers and mothers in Christ, the current legal impasse created by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration on the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Act, which was passed by Parliament, has set a dangerous precedence for our governance. The constitutional directive for action by the president are quite clear and need not have resulted in this stalemate.

“As I’ve publicly stated, I’m a proud member of the Assemblies of God Church and my faith does not support same-sex marriages or relationships (loud applause for over 20 seconds) nor does it support human-animal relationships, or does it allow people to change their gender as they wish. This is a fundamental belief that I hold and is grounded in my faith. I, therefore, assure you that the promotion of LGBTQ+++++ and all the pluses will have no place in our schools and communities under my administration,” he said, followed by the entire room of pastors standing to their feet in great and loud applause.