Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has etched her name in history as Ghana’s first woman Vice President, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to academia, politics, and gender equality advocacy. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire progress across Africa and beyond.
Hailing from Cape Coast, Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s academic achievements are noteworthy. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Cape Coast and furthered her studies with a Master’s and Ph.D. in English Literature from York University, Canada. In 2008, she broke barriers by becoming the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana, the University of Cape Coast, where she championed gender equity and led significant infrastructure developments.
Her political career took flight in 2013 when she was appointed Minister for Education under President John Mahama. During her tenure from 2013 to 2017, she spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the construction of modern educational facilities, the distribution of free textbooks and uniforms, and the elimination of makeshift schools.
In 2020, she made headlines as the first woman nominated as a vice-presidential candidate by a major political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). While the ticket did not win at the time, it paved the way for her historic rise. Following the NDC’s electoral victory, she now serves as Vice President, a monumental achievement that inspires women across the continent.
Beyond politics, Professor Opoku-Agyemang remains a staunch advocate for education and gender equality. Her efforts to combat gender-based violence and uplift marginalized communities have earned her global recognition. She is a member of UNESCO’s executive board, a Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning, and a contributor to the Harriet Tubman Series on the African Diaspora.
Her ascent to Vice President marks a new era for Ghana, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer and beacon of hope for leadership, academia, and advocacy in Africa and the world.
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