Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang makes history as Ghana's first female Vice President-Elect

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has made history as Ghana’s first female Vice President-elect, marking a monumental achievement in the country’s political landscape.

Her election alongside President-elect John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 elections under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) banner is a groundbreaking step toward gender equality and increased representation of women in Ghanaian leadership.

Opoku-Agyemang wrote on X: "Making history is gratifying, but what really matters is not to be the first through the door; what matters is to hold that door open for those behind us."

Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Central Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has consistently defied societal expectations and broken barriers. As an academic, she earned her Bachelor’s and Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast, before completing her Master’s and Ph.D. in English Literature at York University in Canada.

In 2008, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang became the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. Her tenure there was marked by transformative reforms, from expanding infrastructure to advancing gender equity within the institution.

Her political journey began in 2013 when she was appointed Minister for Education under President John Mahama. During her time in office, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang implemented significant changes to the education system, including the abolition of “schools under trees,” the construction of modern educational facilities, and the distribution of free textbooks and uniforms for students.

In 2020, she made history again, becoming the first woman nominated as a Vice Presidential candidate by a major political party in Ghana. Her selection was a bold statement of inclusivity, further cementing her reputation as a champion of gender equality and women’s rights.