All About Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang: Ghana’s First Female Vice President

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang: Ghana’s First Female Vice President

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang made history on July 7, 2020, as the first female vice presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). She broke another glass ceiling on January 7, 2025, by becoming Ghana’s first female vice president. Her swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo at Independence Square in Accra.

Political Career and Achievements as Minister for Education

Opoku-Agyemang is a seasoned politician and academic. She served as Ghana’s Minister for Education from 2013 to 2017. During her tenure, she introduced and implemented transformative policies, including:

• The Inclusive Education Policy (2015) to promote education for all.
• Overseeing the Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP) aimed at enhancing secondary education quality across Ghana.

Her contributions as Minister showcased her commitment to inclusiveness and quality in education.

Trailblazer in Academia

Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Opoku-Agyemang rose through academic ranks to become the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in 2008. She served in this role until 2012, spearheading initiatives to elevate the university’s standards in education and research.

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang: Awards and Recognitions

Opoku-Agyemang’s illustrious career has earned her several prestigious awards, including:

• Order of the Volta (2008)
• Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011)
• Honorary Doctorate from the University of Winneba (2012)
• Honorary Doctorate from the University of Education, Winneba (2017)

These accolades highlight her contributions to education, women’s empowerment, and public service.

Educational Background

Opoku-Agyemang’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication to learning and scholarship. She holds the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English and French from the University of Ghana (1977)
• Diplôme d’Études Supérieures (DES) in French from the University of Dakar (1980)
• Master’s degree in English from the University of York (1982)
• Ph.D. in English from the University of York (1986)

Vision as Ghana’s First Female Vice President

As Ghana’s vice president, Opoku-Agyemang is set to work closely with President John Dramani Mahama. Together, they aim to address key national challenges, including youth unemployment, corruption, and education reform. Her appointment represents a major milestone in Ghana’s journey toward gender equality and increased representation of women in leadership.

Key Achievements at a Glance

• First Female Vice President of Ghana
• Minister for Education (2013-2017)
• First Female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (2008-2012)
• Recipient of numerous awards for contributions to education and women’s empowerment

Opoku-Agyemang’s groundbreaking achievements and her unwavering dedication to public service have cemented her as an inspiration for generations to come. Ghana looks forward to her leadership and vision in shaping a brighter future for all.

SOURCE : VIBEZANDTRENDZ.COM