Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has etched her name in history as Ghana’s first female Vice President, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s political terrain. Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Central Region, she is not only an accomplished academic but also a passionate advocate for education and women’s empowerment.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s academic credentials are exemplary. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Furthering her studies, she obtained a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar and went on to achieve both her master’s and Doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Canada, in 1980 and 1986, respectively.
She has held various academic positions including Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Warden of Adehye Hall, Valco Trust Fund Post-Graduate Hostel, and the Founding Dean of School of Graduate Studies and Research. In 2008, she made history by becoming the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana, leading UCC with distinction.
In March 2007, she was one of five scholars selected to deliver presentations during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
In October 2009, she was elected Ghana’s representative to the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Her journey into politics began in 2013 when she was appointed Minister for Education under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. During her tenure, she championed transformative initiatives, such as abolishing schools operating under trees and ensuring the provision of free textbooks and school uniforms for basic education students. In 2020, she became the vice-presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), making her the first woman nominated for this role by a major political party in Ghana and in 2024 was maintained as the Vice Presidential candidate again and emerging VP of the country.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s election as Vice President is not just a personal achievement; it represents a groundbreaking moment in Ghana’s political history. Her extensive expertise in education and years of dedicated public service position her to make substantial contributions to national development, particularly in the realms of education, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Her ascent serves as an inspiration to women and girls across Ghana and the African continent, emphasizing the critical role of female leadership in governance and societal progress.
Her remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and commitment to effecting positive change. As Ghana’s first female Vice President, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is poised to bring innovative perspectives and drive meaningful reforms within the nation’s political framework.
In recognition of her contributions, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has received numerous accolades, including honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies and Winston-Salem University, as well as a Global Leadership Award from the University of South Florida in Tampa. In 2011, she was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Volta award for Academic Distinction by President John Atta Mills. Additionally, she received the Ghana Women of Excellence Award in Education for her pivotal role in promoting quality education in Ghana. She has been acknowledged twice for Outstanding Performance in Advancing International Education by the School for International Training in Vermont, USA.
In 2020, she was recognized among the 40 Most Inspirational Female Leaders in Ghana for her role as a trailblazer for women across the nation and continent. More recently, in January 2023, she was named one of Africa’s 100 most reputable individuals.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang stands as a beacon of hope and progress, embodying the spirit of leadership that seeks to uplift and empower future generations.
