Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has made history as Ghana’s first female Vice-President, marking a groundbreaking moment in the country’s politics.
The accomplished academic and politician will serve alongside President-elect John Dramani Mahama, following the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s victory in the 2024 elections.
This groundbreaking achievement marks a monumental step forward for gender representation in Ghanaian politics and has been celebrated as an inspiration for women and girls across the nation and the African continent.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s career record
Born on 22 November 1951, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is an academic powerhouse and an advocate for education and women’s empowerment.
She holds a B. Ed. (Hons)degree in English and French in Arts Education from the University of Cape Coast (UCC). She also earned her Master’s and Doctorate in English Literature from York University in Canada.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang rose through the academic ranks to become a distinguished professor, excelling in teaching, research, and leadership.
On 1 October 2008, she made history as the first female Vice Chancellor of a Ghanaian public university when she was appointed to lead the University of Cape Coast.
Her tenure as Vice Chancellor was marked by significant reforms, including modernising the university’s infrastructure, improving academic standards, and promoting gender equity within the institution.
Her political journey
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s foray into politics began in 2013 when she was appointed as Ghana’s Minister for Education under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
In this role, she spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the expansion of educational infrastructure and the introduction of innovative policies to improve teacher training and student outcomes.
Her tenure also saw the abolition of schools under trees, an initiative that replaced makeshift classrooms with modern facilities, and the provision of free textbooks and school uniforms for basic education students.
In 2020, the NDC named her its vice-presidential candidate, making her the first woman to be nominated for the position by a major political party in Ghana, but the party lost the election. However, she was endorsed as President Mahama’s running mate for the 2024 elections.
Her selection was hailed as a bold and progressive move that reflected the NDC’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.
The significance of her election
Opoku-Agyemang’s election is poised to have a lasting impact on Ghana’s political landscape. Her victory is not just political; it’s symbolic of the progress Ghana has made in terms of gender equality and the increasing role of women in the country’s leadership.
Also, her expertise in education and her years of public service places her in a strong position to contribute to the development of the country in areas like education, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
With her poised and capable leadership, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is set to leave an indelible mark on Ghana’s history.
