Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang: Ghana’s First Female Vice President
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has achieved a historic milestone as Ghana’s first female Vice President, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of women in leadership. Her ascent to this role reflects her unwavering dedication to education, public service, and gender equity.
Academic Excellence and Leadership
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s career is rooted in academia, where she earned Ghana’s Officer of the Order of the Volta for Academic Distinction. As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) from 2008 to 2012, she became the first woman to lead a public university in Ghana. She also served as a Professor of Literature and held several key positions at UCC, including Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Her influence extended globally as the Academic Director for the School for International Training, focusing on African Diaspora history and culture. She also represented Ghana on UNESCO’s Executive Board and was a speaker at the United Nations during the bicentennial of the abolition of slavery.
Political Journey
Transitioning into public service, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang served as Minister for Education under John Mahama’s administration, implementing reforms to enhance access and quality in Ghana’s education sector. In 2020, she became Mahama’s running mate, marking a significant step for women in Ghanaian politics. Her role as Vice President was secured after Mahama defeated Dr. Bawumia in the 2024 elections, cementing her place in history.
Educational Background and Honors
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang holds a Diplôme Supérieure d’Études Françaises from the University of Dakar, a B.A. (Hons) with a Diploma in Education from UCC, and advanced degrees from York University, Canada. A two-time Fulbright scholar and a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, she also belongs to the Commonwealth of Learning.
Personal Life
A proud mother of three and grandmother, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang balances her personal and professional life with grace.
Her groundbreaking role as Vice President highlights her resilience, intellect, and commitment to national development. She remains a symbol of progress, inspiring women to pursue leadership and effect transformative change.
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