Meet Ghana’s first female vice president: Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
In a landmark ceremony held in Accra, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was sworn in as Ghana’s first female Vice President by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Vice President’s Oath, her ascension marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s history, advancing gender equality and breaking barriers for women in leadership.
President John Dramani Mahama first nominated Professor Opoku-Agyemang as his Vice-Presidential candidate in 2020, a groundbreaking decision for a major Ghanaian political party.
After repeating this historic choice in 2024, their election victory culminated in her inauguration as Vice President.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s remarkable career spans academia, government, and global leadership. She served as the Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa (2018–2024) and made history as the first female Vice Chancellor in Ghana at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) from 2008 to 2012.
At UCC, she also held several pivotal roles, including Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research
Her commitment to education extended beyond Ghana as she led the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) as its President and Chairperson of the Africa Board.
As Ghana’s Minister for Education (2013–2017), she spearheaded initiatives to enhance access and equity in education, leaving an indelible mark on the sector.
A twice-awarded Fulbright scholar, Professor Opoku-Agyemang earned a BA (Hons) in French and English and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast. She further obtained a Diploma in Advanced French Studies from the University of Dakar, and an MA and PhD in Literature from York University, Canada.
She is a Life Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning and a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, showcasing her enduring commitment to global education and democratic governance.
Her historic achievements inspire future generations and underscore Ghana’s commitment to inclusive governance and social progress.
