Success Comes from Preparation, Not Fear of Witchcraft
Ghanaians increasingly blame spiritual attacks for unemployment and stagnation, yet a growing body of evidence points to a lack of preparation, exposure and practical skills as the real culprits.
Earlier today, a woman from Accra blamed a first‑class graduate’s sixteen‑year joblessness on a dream of a “spiritual attacker” burning the certificates. The conversation sparked a broader reflection on a national mindset that prefers metaphysical explanations over systemic analysis.
According to the woman, the graduate’s family has been “battling witchcraft spells” for years. However, peers from the same University of Cape Coast (UCC) who participated in the campus mock parliament have risen to prominent positions in law, academia and government, suggesting that spiritual narratives do not dictate outcomes.
“Success is less about curses and more about personality, preparation and discipline,” said an unnamed former UCC student who has observed the trajectories of his classmates.
The UCC Student Mock Parliament, described as a miniature Oxford Union, provided informal training in public speaking, critical reasoning and leadership. Alumni such as Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akondoh (Minister of Health) and Dr James Bomfeh Junior credit the debating chamber for sharpening their analytical skills.
One participant recalled late‑night sessions after mock debates: “We were laughed at for being unserious, yet those moments taught us how to think on our feet and defend unpopular positions,” he explained.
Beyond debating, the campus library’s collection on mass communication and a demanding African Studies professor who used cross‑examination forced students to confront intellectual weaknesses, further building resilience.
Dr Justice Srem‑Sai, Deputy Attorney General and former Harvard Law student, recounted similar resistance at the University of Ghana, where his articles were met with scorn before gaining recognition, underscoring that ridicule often precedes success.
Abraham Paa Brew‑Sam, a lawyer at the Economic Offences Court, echoed the sentiment in an op‑ed titled “Grade Point Averages Do Not Measure Life,” arguing that visibility and opportunity, not merely grades, determine career trajectories.
These anecdotes highlight a systemic gap: Ghana’s education system emphasizes rote memorisation over practical skills such as résumé writing, interview preparation and networking.
When opportunities are scarce, many turn to spiritual explanations to fill the void, but the pattern remains clear – families accused of witchcraft produce both stagnation and excellence, pointing to structural and behavioural factors rather than metaphysical ones.
Faith, while valuable, should inspire action rather than serve as an excuse for inaction. As one educator put it, “Prayer should sharpen clarity, not blur responsibility.”
Experts suggest that integrating soft‑skill training, mentorship programmes and industry partnerships into curricula could bridge the gap, empowering graduates to create, rather than await, opportunities.
Until such reforms take hold, the onus remains on individuals to seek out experiential learning, leverage networks and develop the competencies that have propelled many UCC alumni to national prominence.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
