Meet Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang: Ghana’s Trailblazing First Female Vice President
In a historic moment for Ghana, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has taken office as the country’s first female Vice President. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards greater gender equality and representation in politics.
Academic and Professional Background
Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Ghana, Opoku-Agyemang attended Wesley Girls’ Senior High School and later earned degrees from the University of Cape Coast, York University, and the University of Dakar. Her academic excellence and dedication to education paved the way for her future success.
Opoku-Agyemang is a renowned academic, serving as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast from 2008 to 2012. During her tenure, she implemented various initiatives to improve academic standards, infrastructure, and student life. Her leadership and vision transformed the institution, making it a model for other universities in Ghana.
Political Career
Opoku-Agyemang’s entry into politics was marked by her appointment as Minister for Education by President John Mahama in 2013. She held this position until 2017, during which time she implemented several reforms aimed at improving the quality of education in Ghana.
In 2020, Opoku-Agyemang was selected as the running mate for John Mahama in the presidential election. Although they lost, her candidacy helped to galvanize support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party. In 2024, she was again chosen as Mahama’s running mate, and this time, they emerged victorious.
Achievements and Awards
Throughout her career, Opoku-Agyemang has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to education and public service. Some notable recognitions include:
- Officer of the Order of the Volta award for Academic Distinction (2011)
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cape Coast (2012)
- Ghana Women of Excellence Award (2016)
Personal Life
Opoku-Agyemang is a Christian and a member of the Methodist Church. She is married with three children and two grandchildren. Despite her busy schedule, she prioritizes family and values the importance of spending time with loved ones.
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s historic appointment as Ghana’s first female Vice President is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and perseverance. As a trailblazer in politics and academia, she continues to inspire generations of Ghanaian women and girls. Her commitment to education, public service, and gender equality has made a lasting impact on Ghana, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the country’s future.
