As final-year students across the country sit for the 2025 WASSCE, former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has cautioned candidates against relying on spiritual shortcuts for academic success, urging them to focus on their preparation and personal responsibility.

Speaking to Irene Adubea Aning on the News in Focus program aired on Joy Learning TV, Dr. Adutwum acknowledged the importance of prayer and faith but cautioned students not to fall for unproven religious practices during exams.

“I believe in the help that comes from God,” he began.

“What you can get as a religious person from your God on the day of exams is remembrance. He can cause you to remember some of the things you think you have forgotten,” he continued.

He emphasized that divine help complements preparation, it does not replace it.

“I don’t think anyone can help generate the answers for you. For example, a religious leader telling you to put a handkerchief inside your answer booklet, claiming it will miraculously produce answers, I don’t believe in that, ”he warned.

He expressed concern that such actions could have long-term consequences.

“I don’t want to believe in things that could ruin their future in the long term. But I believe there is some level of confidence that comes from knowing God takes away the fear,” he emphasized.

Dr. Adutwum advised students to instead turn to prayer for clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

“You look at the question, when it is difficult and you have forgotten what you learnt, pray to God, and before you know, ideas stuck somewhere will flow and you will do well,” he encouraged.

He concluded with a strong caution against replacing preparation with misplaced faith.

“If God knows that a handkerchief could give you answers, He would have told you not to go to school,” he stressed.

“So I believe that you can rely on divine providence, but not to the extent that some spiritual force will come and do the exam for you,” he concluded.