Ghana witnessed a momentous occasion in its political history on Tuesday as Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang was sworn in as the country’s first-ever female Vice President alongside President John Mahama in the capital city, Accra.
The inauguration drew a host of international dignitaries, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré, Kenyan President William Ruto, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema, among others.
During the ceremony, President Mahama, who previously led the country from 2012 to 2017, pledged to revitalize Ghana’s economy, renegotiate terms of its IMF agreement, and introduce a 24-hour economic framework aimed at addressing youth unemployment.
At the heart of the celebrations was Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang, whose groundbreaking achievement has captured the imagination of millions.
Here are key highlights about her remarkable journey:
Early Life and Education
1. Born on November 22, 1951, Jane Opoku-Agyemang had her foundational education at Anglican Girls’ School, Koforidua, and Aburi Presby Girls’ School.
2. She proceeded to Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast for her secondary education from 1964 to 1971.
3. She earned a B.Ed. (Hons) in English and French from the University of Cape Coast in 1977.
4. Her academic journey extended to the University of Dakar for a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French, followed by a master’s degree and a PhD from York University, Toronto, Canada, in 1980 and 1986, respectively.
Career Achievements
5. Jane Opoku-Agyemang served as Ghana’s Minister of Education from February 2013 to January 2017.
6. She became the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana when she led the University of Cape Coast.
7. A distinguished professor of Literature, she also contributed significantly to academia, becoming a global voice on key issues.
8. In 2007, she was invited to deliver a presentation at the United Nations in New York during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery.
International Recognition and Leadership
9. In 2009, she was elected to represent Ghana on UNESCO’s executive board, reflecting her influence on global education and cultural policies.
10. Ahead of the 2012 elections, she moderated a high-profile debate alongside Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, showcasing her intellectual leadership.
Political Journey
11. In 2020, she was selected as the running mate to John Mahama under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket, although the duo did not win the election.
12. Following her defeat, she briefly returned to academia, resigning as Vice-Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe, in August 2024 to fully immerse herself in politics.
13. Her perseverance paid off when she was again chosen as Mahama’s running mate for the 2024 elections, a race they won, making her the first woman to occupy the office of Vice President in Ghana.
Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s historic rise is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking leadership. Her story inspires women across Africa and beyond, proving that no barrier is insurmountable for those determined to make a difference.
