Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang became the first female vice president of Ghana, making history in the process.

At the swearing-in ceremony held at Independence Square on January 7, 2025, her position was firmly established.

She collaborates closely with President John Dramani Mahama to run the country for the ensuing four years.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang's rise to the Vice Presidency as a result of the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) overwhelming win in the 2024 elections.

Academic Background and Education

Prior to finishing her secondary education at Wesley Girls' High School in Cape Coast, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang attended Anglican Girls' Secondary School in Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls' School. She continued her education at the University of Cape Coast, where she graduated with a B.Ed. (Hons) in French and English. After graduating from the University of Dakar with a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French, she went on to York University in Toronto, Canada, to earn her master's and doctoral degrees.



Pioneering Leadership

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who is 73 years old, has a long history in academia, politics, and campaigning, especially for women's emancipation and education. She was the University of Cape Coast's first female vice chancellor and minister of education from 2013 to 2017.

When she was chosen as the National Democratic Congress's first female running partner in 2020, her political career took a new turn. Even though they lost that election, she persevered and won a historic triumph in 2024, becoming Ghana's vice president.

International Acclaim and Honors

For her contributions to education and women's emancipation, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has won multiple awards. She has received a Global Leadership Award from the University of South Florida and honorary degrees from Winston-Salem University and the University of the West Indies. President John Atta Mills awarded her the Officer of the Order of the Volta for Academic Distinction in 2011. In 2020, she was listed as one of Ghana's 40 Most Inspirational Female Leaders, and in 2023, she was named one of the 100 Most Reputable Africans.

A Win for the Representation of Women

Her election is a significant milestone for woman representation in Ghana and throughout Africa, in addition to being a victory for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang. She continues to motivate and clear the path for upcoming generations of women in leadership with her emphasis on education, support for women, and transformative leadership.