Away from the pomp and colour as world leaders gathered at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana, to witness President John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in, history was also being written the moment Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang stepped forward to take oath as his Vice president – the first female Vice President in Ghana’s history.
The crowd couldn’t wait for her to take to the podium. Cheers erupted as Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was sworn into office and became the first woman to hold the office of Vice President in Ghana.
A History-Making Victory
This historic swearing-in came after a well-contested campaign and a too-close-to-call election in which President Mahama returned after serving the West African country between 2012 and 2017.
The Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang ticket, which was built on the promise of change and inclusivity, represented the National Democratic Congress and seemed to appeal to many Ghanaians who voted the pair into office in December 2024.
President John Mahama and Prof. Opoku-Agyemang.
Their victory was no ordinary feat. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s candidacy broke barriers in a political landscape that has long been dominated by men.
According to political pundits, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s presence on the ticket energized young women and girls across Ghana and beyond, sending a clear message: leadership is not bound by gender.
But many people remain curious: Who is this trailblazing woman, and what does she bring to Ghana’s second-highest office?
Let’s look closer at the life and career of Ghana’s new vice president.
The Profile of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is a woman of many firsts. She was born in Cape Coast, Ghana, on November 22, 1951, and has risen through distinguished careers in academia and public service to become one of the most respected females in Ghana’s history.
A file photo of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang.
She started her academic journey at the prestigious Wesley Girls’ High School, then pursued higher education at the University of Cape Coast. Later, she did her Master’s and PhD in Literature from York University in Canada, majoring in English and African literature.
In 2008, she became the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana when she was appointed to head the University of Cape Coast. During her tenure, she subsequently led many reforms at UCC, including improving standards of research and academics and increasing access to higher education.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang during her days in the world of academia.
Beyond academia, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has also served in various national and international capacities. She was Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017, during which period she introduced some key reforms in the education sector. During her tenure, improvements in teacher training, educational infrastructure, and policies for increasing access to quality education were some of the significant improvements.
Her commitment to gender equality is matched only by her passion for education. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, always pushing for policies favouring women in leadership, education, and entrepreneurship.
The political career of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang began when she was named the running mate of John Mahama in the upcoming 2020 elections. Her choice has been hailed by many but also greeted with scepticism – the twin evils women always confront in their struggle for recognition and participation in political life.
During the campaigns, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang proved to keep her cool, and her intellectual display of high moral fibre attracted many Ghanaians.
Today, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is the Vice President of Ghana, representing hope for the girls of Africa. She also proves that obstacles can be surmounted and the glass ceiling broken.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is not only a leader for Ghana; she epitomizes what is possible when determination, education, and commitment to service come together. Her story testifies to the power of dreams and the reason why opportunities need to be provided for women to rise into leadership.
