Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is set to make history as Ghana’s first female Vice President following the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) victory in the 2024 presidential elections.
This landmark achievement adds to a series of pioneering milestones in her illustrious career, where she has continually broken barriers in education, politics, and governance, becoming a symbol of empowerment for women in Ghana and beyond.
Opoku-Agyemang’s journey to the nation’s second-highest office marks the culmination of decades of trailblazing work in various fields. Her political career has been one of reshaping the status quo, from her time as Ghana’s first female Minister of Education to her groundbreaking appointment as the first female running mate for the NDC.
In 2020, Opoku-Agyemang made history as John Dramani Mahama’s running mate in the presidential elections, a decision that not only broke new ground for the NDC but also energized a growing movement towards greater representation of women in Ghanaian politics. The two lost that election, but Mahama once again chose her as his running mate in 2024, and together, they triumphed, securing a resounding victory that will soon see Opoku-Agyemang assume the role of Ghana’s first female Vice President.
Opoku-Agyemang’s rise to the vice-presidency is a powerful testament to the changing landscape of gender equality in Ghana’s political arena. Her ascent to the second-highest office in the country represents a victory for women’s rights and leadership, showing that the highest levels of governance are not out of reach for women. Her success speaks to a broader movement in Africa, where more women are increasingly taking on leadership roles.
Before her political career, Opoku-Agyemang was already making history in academia. In 2008, she became the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, one of Ghana’s leading educational institutions. Her tenure at the university was marked by significant academic reforms and infrastructure improvements that set new standards for higher education in the country.
In 2012, Opoku-Agyemang’s impact on education deepened when she was appointed Ghana’s first female Minister of Education. She was instrumental in pushing for educational reforms that increased access to schooling, improved teacher training, and expanded critical initiatives like free uniforms and textbooks for students. Her work in this area left a lasting legacy in Ghana’s educational system.
Opoku-Agyemang’s journey from academia to the upper echelons of Ghanaian politics is a testament to her resilience and vision. As Ghana’s first female Vice President, she will continue to break new ground, serving as a powerful symbol for future generations of women aspiring to leadership roles in any field. Her historic election is more than just a personal triumph; it is a significant moment in the ongoing journey toward greater gender equality and representation in Ghana and across Africa.
