Interesting Facts About Ghana’s VP Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

Ghana’s VP Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

By Chinomso Sunday

Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, an academic powerhouse and trailblazer in Ghana’s educational and political landscape, is now the Vice President of Ghana, making her the first female to do so.

With a distinguished career that spans academia, government, and international boards, Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s contributions to Ghana’s development are monumental. Here’s a deeper look into her remarkable journey:

Interesting Facts About Ghana's VP Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

Political Beginnings:

Gained political visibility in 2012 when she co-hosted the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) presidential debates.

Ministerial Role:

Served as Ghana’s Minister of Education under President Mahama from 2013 to 2017, shaping educational reforms and policy.

Academic Leadership:

Became the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in 2008, breaking new ground for women in academia.

Leadership in Academia:

Held numerous key positions at UCC, including head of the Department of English, Dean of Faculty of Arts, and Founding Dean of Graduate Studies.

Chancellor Role:

Currently serving as the second female Chancellor of Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe.

Global Influence:

Chairs over 20 boards and committees, including the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and UNESCO’s Executive Board.

Board Leadership:

Led multiple prestigious bodies, such as the Council of University of Education, Winneba, and the Ghana Centre for Democracy Development.

Honours and Recognition:

A two-time Fulbright Scholar, recipient of four honorary doctorates, the Global Leadership Award, and many national and international honours.

Global Scholar:

Delivered a key presentation at the United Nations Headquarters during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in 2007.

Educational Contributions:

Authored books like The Handbook of Writing Skills, and holds a long-standing commitment to advancing quality education in Ghana and beyond.

Born in Cape Coast on November 22, 1951, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is not just a mother of three and grandmother but a true visionary dedicated to uplifting education and women’s empowerment in Africa.

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