Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is Ghana’s first female Vice President, advancing education, gender equality, and inclusive national development.
Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is a Ghanaian academic, literary scholar, and public servant whose career has bridged education, leadership, and politics. She made history in January when she became the first female Vice President of Ghana under President John Dramani Mahama’s government, marking a historic moment in the country’s politics and a new milestone for women in leadership.
Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Ghana, she began her academic journey at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), earning a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Education in 1977. She later obtained her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in English Literature from York University in Canada in 1980 and 1986 respectively. After completing her studies, she returned to Ghana and began her academic career at the University of Cape Coast in 1986, where she lectured in English and rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected figures in higher education.
Over the years, she held key positions including Head of the English Department, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, and later, in 2008, she made history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana.
During her tenure, which lasted until 2012, she expanded academic programs, improved infrastructure, strengthened faculty development, and raised the University’s national and international profile. She also served as the Academic Director for a U.S.-based program on African Diaspora history and culture, further connecting Ghanaian academia to the global African community.
Her move into politics came in 2013 when she was appointed Minister for Education under President John Mahama’s first presidential administration (2012-2017). During her tenure, she led major educational reforms that emphasised access, equity, and quality.
Under her leadership, significant advancements were made in Ghana’s education sector. Modern classrooms were built nationwide, and free textbooks and school uniforms were distributed. The secondary school infrastructure was also expanded. Furthermore, she introduced policies focused on enhancing teacher welfare and promoting inclusivity in education, particularly for girls and disadvantaged students.
In a historic move in July 2020, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was chosen as the first female vice-presidential running mate by a major Ghanaian political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Although the ticket was unsuccessful in that election, she was re-nominated in March 2024. This led to a groundbreaking victory in December 2024, when she and President John Mahama won the elections. Consequently, on January 7, 2025, she was officially inaugurated as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
Since her appointment, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has prioritised initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access, quality, and gender equality. Her achievements include overseeing the construction of 124 Community Day Senior High Schools and launching a national digital learning program that has equipped over 60,000 teachers with new skills. She has also reinforced student protection policies, with a particular focus on girls. Furthermore, she continues to advocate for women’s education, collaborating with organisations like the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE).
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, a trailblazer in Ghanaian academia and politics, has significantly influenced modern Ghanaian history by redefining women’s roles. Her leadership extends internationally, having served as Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe, from 2018 to 2024, and representing Ghana on platforms such as the UNESCO Executive Board.
