Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is poised to become the country’s first female Vice President following the concession of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, in the 2024 presidential election.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang, who served as Mahama’s running mate in the December 7, 2024 elections, is making her second appearance on a presidential ticket, having also partnered with Mahama in the 2020 general election.
Her selection as the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate was formally approved by the party’s National Executive Committee earlier this year, cementing her place as a trailblazer in Ghana’s political landscape.
Distinguished Academic Career
Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Professor Opoku-Agyemang (née Jane Naana Sam) is a renowned academic and politician. She made history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana, leading the University of Cape Coast from 2008 to 2012. She currently serves as the Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa, based in Zimbabwe.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s academic credentials are extensive. She holds a Bachelor of Education in English and French from the University of Cape Coast, a Diploma in Advanced Studies from the University of Dakar, and both a master’s and doctorate from York University in Canada.
Her secondary education includes attendance at Anglican Girls’ Secondary School in Koforidua, Aburi Presby Girls’ School, and Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast from 1964 to 1971. Her academic work has primarily focused on literature, oral traditions, and African diaspora issues.
Career of Public Service and Leadership
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s public service career has been marked by her advocacy for inclusivity and educational reform. As Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017, she championed the Inclusive Education Policy of 2015, which aimed to ensure equitable access to education for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Additionally, she has been a staunch advocate for gender equality, using her platform to promote women’s and girls’ rights and increase their access to education.
Throughout her political career, Opoku-Agyemang has earned a reputation for integrity and dedication to issues that matter to Ghanaians. Her influence has been pivotal in strengthening the NDC’s support, particularly in key regions such as Central and Greater Accra.
A Role Model for Generations
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s groundbreaking achievements have been widely recognized both locally and internationally. In 2011, she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Volta for Academic Distinction, and she has been celebrated as one of the 100 most influential women in Africa by Avance Media.
As she prepares to take office as Ghana’s first female Vice President, her rise to the position is seen as a major milestone for gender representation and inclusivity in Ghanaian politics. Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s journey, which spans a lifetime of commitment to education, leadership, and public service, is an inspiration to women and girls across Ghana and the African continent.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and dedication, inspiring a new generation of women leaders in politics and beyond.
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