On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Ghana held the inauguration ceremony for its President and Vice President. The event took place at the iconic Independence Square in Accra. It was a grand occasion, attended by dignitaries, global leaders, and citizens from all walks of life. SONIA OKERE writes
The ceremony was especially historic because Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was sworn in as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
Her journey to becoming the first female Vice President of Ghana began on July 6, 2020, when she was chosen as the running mate to then presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This was the first time a major political party in Ghana selected a woman for such a high position and after the general elections on December 7, 2024, the Electoral Commission declared Mahama and Opoku-Agyemang as the winners.
the choice of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was the first time a major political party in Ghana selected a woman for such a high position
Who is Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang?
Born on November 22, 1951 in Cape Coast, this great woman grew up in Ghana and attended Anglican Girls’ School in Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School. She later completed her secondary education at Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast.
She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Education in English and French, from the University of Cape Coast. Her love for learning took her to the University of Dakar, Senegal, where she earned a diploma in French, and then to York University in Toronto, Canada, where she completed her Master’s and Doctorate degrees by 1986.
Career and academic achievements
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is a highly respected academic and teacher. She began her lecturing career at the University of Cape Coast, where she held many key positions that included Head of the English Department, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
In 2008, she made history by becoming the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast
In 2008, she made history by becoming the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. She is also a well-published scholar, with books and articles on African literature, oral traditions, and gender issues.
Over the years, she has served on several important boards, both in Ghana and internationally. She represented Ghana on UNESCO’s executive board and was invited to speak at the United Nations in New York to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
Political career
In 2013, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang became Ghana’s Minister for Education under the Mahama presidency. During her time in office, she introduced many reforms, such as increasing access to secondary schools and launching Community Day Senior High Schools.
When she was selected as the running mate for the 2024 election, she campaigned with energy and passion. She connected with people across the country and spoke about improving education, promoting gender equality, and addressing social challenges. Her calm and confident approach earned her respect and admiration from many Ghanaians.
