When Ghana’s political history is revisited years from now, the name Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang will stand out, not merely as the country’s first female Vice-President, but as a symbol of intellect, grace, and transformative leadership. Her story is one of vision and quiet strength, bridging academia, governance, and the pursuit of equity. On January 7, 2025, she made history by taking the oath of office as Ghana’s first female Vice-President, a defining moment that celebrated her lifelong dedication to education, service, and national development.
Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, a city known for its intellectual and historical heritage, Jane Naana’s early years were shaped by a love for learning and a belief in the transformative power of education. She obtained her Bachelor of Education (Hons) in English and French from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), then pursued her Master’s and Doctorate in English Literature at York University in Canada. Her academic interests in African and postcolonial literature, centered on identity, justice, and empowerment, shaped the worldview that continues to define her work as both scholar and public servant.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s career at UCC began in 1986, where she rose through the ranks from Head of the English Department to Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and later Founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. In 2008, she broke another barrier by becoming the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana. Her tenure was marked by inclusivity, institutional growth, and policies that encouraged female participation in higher education. She led with humility and earned admiration for her disciplined yet compassionate leadership style.
Her transition from academia to public service came in 2013, when then-President John Dramani Mahama appointed her as Minister for Education. In this role, she championed education reforms that improved access, teacher training, and school infrastructure while promoting inclusivity for children with disabilities. She also spearheaded the conversion of polytechnics into technical universities, aligning education with the nation’s workforce needs. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: education must not only enlighten minds but empower lives.
When the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominated her as running mate to John Mahama for the 2024 presidential election, it was a defining political moment. Her nomination represented more than a campaign strategy; it was a national statement that competence and character transcend gender. The move energized women, youth, and academics across Ghana, signaling a shift toward inclusive governance. Their eventual victory in December 2024 was not just political but symbolic of a nation ready to embrace a new chapter in its democratic evolution.
Now serving as Vice-President, Professor Opoku-Agyemang continues to embody her lifelong ideals of service, education, and empowerment. Her leadership reflects the discipline of a scholar and the empathy of a teacher. She remains committed to human capital development, gender inclusion, and youth advancement, believing that a nation’s greatest wealth lies in its people. Her calm and thoughtful approach to governance has earned her respect across political divides, reinforcing her reputation as a voice of reason and reform.
To countless young women across Africa, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s journey is an enduring symbol of possibility. She has turned every “first” into a pathway for others to follow, proving that leadership rooted in knowledge and compassion can reshape nations. As she often says, “Leadership is not about being the first, it is about ensuring you are not the last.” In that spirit, Ghana’s first female Vice-President continues to lead not just from office but from the heart of history, with wisdom, courage, and unwavering purpose.
