On January 7, 2025, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is set to make history as she becomes the first female Vice President of Ghana, alongside John Dramani Mahama, who awaits his inauguration as the new President of Ghana.
Here are some quick facts about the history-making Naana Jane:
Early Life and Education
- Full Name: Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
- Birthdate: November 22, 1951
- Birthplace: Cape Coast, Ghana
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was born in Cape Coast, Ghana. She attended Anglican Girls’ School at Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School. She completed her secondary education at Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast from 1964 to 1971. She earned a B.Ed. (Hons) in English and French from the University of Cape Coast in 1977. She also holds a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar and obtained her master’s and doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Canada.
Academic Career
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang began her academic career at the University of Cape Coast in 1986. She held various academic positions, including Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. In 2008, she made history by becoming the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana when she took over as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.
Political Career
- Minister for Education: February 2013 – January 2017
- Vice President-elect: January 7, 2025
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang served as Ghana’s Minister for Education from February 2013 to January 2017 under President John Mahama’s administration. During her tenure, she implemented significant reforms to improve access and quality in the education sector. In 2020, she was selected as John Mahama’s running mate for the presidential election, and again in 2024, leading to her historic election as the first female Vice President of Ghana.
Notable Achievements
- First Female Vice-Chancellor: University of Cape Coast (2008-2012)
- Officer of the Order of the Volta: Awarded for Academic Distinction
- UNESCO Executive Board: Ghana’s representative, re-elected for a second term
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s contributions to academia and public service have been widely recognized. She was awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Volta, for academic distinction. She also served as Ghana’s representative to UNESCO’s Executive Board, where she was re-elected for a second term.
Impact and Legacy
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s ascent to the position of Vice President of Ghana is a groundbreaking achievement in the nation’s history and a significant milestone in African politics. Her rise symbolizes a transformative shift toward gender inclusivity and representation in leadership. Her tenure is expected to inspire generations of women and girls, not only in Ghana but across Africa, showing them that leadership at the highest levels is within reach.
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