Ghana has etched a new chapter in its democratic journey with the election of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the nation’s first female Vice President-elect. She will serve alongside President-elect John Dramani Mahama following the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) victory in the 2024 general elections held yesterday, December 7. This groundbreaking milestone signifies a significant advancement for women’s representation in Ghanaian politics and serves as a beacon of inspiration for women across the nation and the African continent.
Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast in the Central Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is celebrated as a distinguished academic and advocate for education and women’s empowerment. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in English Literature from York University in Canada.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s career is marked by numerous pioneering achievements. She became the first woman to serve as Vice Chancellor of a Ghanaian public university when she was appointed to lead the University of Cape Coast in 2008. Her tenure was transformative, as she championed infrastructure modernization, academic excellence, and gender equity within the institution.
Her transition into politics came in 2013 when she was appointed Ghana’s Minister for Education under President Mahama’s administration. In this capacity, she spearheaded initiatives such as abolishing “schools under trees,” replacing makeshift structures with modern facilities, and providing free textbooks and school uniforms to basic education students. These efforts significantly improved educational access and quality across the country.
In 2020, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang broke another barrier by becoming the first woman to be named a vice-presidential candidate by a major political party in Ghana. Her selection was lauded as a progressive move, reflecting the NDC’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.
As Vice President-elect, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s leadership is anticipated to influence key areas such as education, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Her expertise in education positions her to contribute fresh perspectives to national policy discussions, particularly in advancing Ghana’s educational sector.
Her election is also seen as a victory for women’s leadership across Africa, where many countries continue to strive for greater female participation in politics. Ghana’s choice of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscores the potential for African democracies to empower women in leadership roles.
Thousands of jubilant NDC supporters celebrated the historic victory in cities across Ghana, including Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Women, in particular, expressed immense pride in Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s achievement, hailing it as a moment of hope and progress for gender equality.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s success stands as a testament to perseverance and dedication, symbolizing the strides Ghana has made in promoting women’s roles in leadership. As she prepares to assume her historic role, the nation looks forward to the impact of her poised and capable leadership on Ghana’s development and future.
