Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang: Ghana’s First Female Vice President Makes History.
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially assumed office as the Vice President of Ghana, serving from January 7, 2025, to January 7, 2029. Her swearing-in marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first female Vice President in Ghana’s history.
Despite her recent rise to this prominent position, many are curious to learn more about her personal life, education, and career journey. Below is a detailed profile of the trailblazing leader based on information from Wikipedia, Citi Newsroom, and Ghanaweb.
Early Life and Education
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Ghana, and is 73 years old. Her educational journey began at Anglican Girls’ Secondary School in Koforidua, followed by Aburi Presby Girls’ School. She continued to Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast from 1964 to 1971.
In 1977, she graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree with honors in English and French from the University of Cape Coast. She pursued further studies at York University in Toronto, Canada, earning a Master’s degree in 1980 and a Doctorate in 1986.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Professor Opoku-Agyemang is a renowned academic with an impressive career. She began teaching at the University of Cape Coast in 1986 and held various leadership positions, including:
• Head of the Department of English
• Dean of the Faculty of Arts
• Dean of Graduate Studies
In 2008, she broke barriers by becoming the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, a position she held until 2012.
Internationally, she represented Ghana at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in March 2007 during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery.
Minister of Education and Key Contributions
From 2013 to 2017, Professor Opoku-Agyemang served as Minister of Education under President John Dramani Mahama. During her tenure, she spearheaded transformative reforms in Ghana’s education sector, including:
• Converting polytechnics into technical universities
• Introducing the Progressive Free Senior High School program
Her contributions earned her recognition locally and globally. She received honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies and Winston-Salem University, as well as a global leadership award from the University of South Florida.
Political Journey
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Opoku-Agyemang made history in 2020 as the first woman to be nominated as a running mate for a major political party in Ghana. Partnering with John Mahama, she played a vital role in their campaign. Her dedication and vision were rewarded when she was elected as Ghana’s first female Vice President in December 2024.
Personal Life
Professor Opoku-Agyemang is a proud mother of three accomplished children, all of whom hold PhDs:
1. Kweku Opoku-Agyemang: PhD in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison
2. Kwabena Opoku-Agyemang: PhD in English Literature from West Virginia University
3. Adwoa Opoku-Agyemang: PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Toronto
While little is known about her husband, reports from Ghanaweb indicate that he was also a lecturer.
A Historic Legacy
As Ghana’s first female Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has shattered glass ceilings and inspired countless women across the nation and beyond. Her achievements in education, politics, and public service make her a symbol of resilience, excellence, and progress.
Ghanaians now look forward to her contributions as she partners with President John Mahama to address the nation’s challenges and build a brighter future for all.