Ghana has made history with the inauguration of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the first-ever female Vice President.
Her position was solidified at the swearing-in ceremony on January 7, 2025 at the Independence Square.
She works hand-in-hand with President John Dramani Mahama as leaders of the nation for the next four years.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s ascension to the Vice Presidency comes as part of the landslide victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections.
Education and Academic Background
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s academic journey began at Anglican Girls’ Secondary School in Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School before she completed her secondary education at Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast. She furthered her studies at the University of Cape Coast, earning a B.Ed. (Hons) in English and French. She later obtained a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar and pursued her master’s and doctorate degrees at York University in Toronto, Canada.
Trailblazing Leadership
At 73 years old, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has had a distinguished career in academia, politics, and advocacy, particularly for education and women’s empowerment. She served as Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017 and was the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.
Her political career reached new heights in 2020 when she became the first woman to be selected as the running mate for the National Democratic Congress. Despite their loss in that election, her resilience has led to her historic victory in 2024, making her the Vice President of Ghana.
Global Recognition and Awards
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has received numerous accolades for her contributions to education and women’s empowerment. She holds 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 2011, she was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Volta for Academic Distinction by President John Atta Mills. She was also named among the 40 Most Inspirational Female Leaders in Ghana in 2020 and recognized as one of the 100 Most Reputable Africans in 2023.
A Victory for Gender Representation
Her election is not only a triumph for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang but also a historic moment for gender representation in Ghana and across Africa. With her focus on education, advocacy for women, and transformative leadership, she continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in leadership.