AFRICA | An exceptional African woman makes history as first woman vice president in Ghana, shines across the world.
An exceptional African woman named Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has etched her name in history as the first woman ever elected Vice President in Ghana, West Africa.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang, a native of Cape Coast, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Cape Coast, along with a Master’s and Ph.D. in English Literature from York University, Canada.
In 2008, she shattered barriers by becoming the first woman to lead a public university in Ghana, serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. During her tenure, she championed gender equity and spearheaded significant infrastructure upgrades at the institution.
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Her foray into politics came in 2013 when she was appointed Minister for Education under President John Mahama. During her term (2013–2017), she spearheaded transformative initiatives.
The initiatives include constructing modern educational facilities, providing free textbooks and school uniforms, and banning makeshift schools.
In 2020, Opoku-Agyemang made another history when she became the first woman to be nominated as a running mate by a major political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Although the duo did not win that election, their campaign laid the groundwork for future success.
Now, history has been made again—President John Mahama and Professor Opoku-Agyemang have won the elections, with Professor Opoku-Agyemang becoming Ghana’s first woman Vice President.
This victory marks a groundbreaking moment not only for Ghana but for the entire African continent.
Beyond politics, Professor Opoku-Agyemang is a staunch advocate for education and gender equality. She has worked tirelessly to combat gender-based violence against Ghanaian women and to uplift marginalized communities.
In addition to her work in academia, Opoku-Agyemang also serves on the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is a member of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning, and on the editorial board of the Harriet Tubman Series on the African Diaspora.
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