After Ghana’s most recent election which ushered in a new administration with John Mahama as the President , at the centre of attention was Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who was sworn in alongside the President as the Vice-president of the nation. She has made history as the first Vice president of Ghana.
Jane Opoku-Agyemang was born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Ghana, a city known for its rich history and educational heritage. She attended Anglican Girls’ School at Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ SchoolShe pursued her secondary education at Wesley Girls’ High School, a prestigious institution in Cape Coast, where she excelled in her studies. Her academic journey continued at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and French im 1977. Driven by her thirst for knowledge, She earned a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar. Later, she pursued postgraduate studies, obtaining a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in English Literature from York University in Toronto, Canada. Her advanced studies laid the foundation for a distinguished career in academia.
Jane Opoku-Agyemang began her professional journey as a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, where her dedication to teaching and research earned her recognition as a formidable intellectual. She specialised in English literature, focusing on African and Caribbean literary studies, and her work contributed significantly to the understanding of postcolonial literature. In March 2007, she was one of five scholars selected to deliver presentations during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Over the years, she rose through the ranks, becoming a professor and later serving as the Vice-Chancellor of UCC from 2008 to 2012. This historic appointment made her the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana, a milestone that inspired countless women to pursue leadership roles in academia and beyond.
During her tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Jane Opoku-Agyemang implemented transformative policies that enhanced academic standards and improved infrastructure at the university. She prioritised gender equity, creating opportunities for female students and staff to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated environment. In October 2009, she was elected Ghana’s representative to the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s foray into politics was driven by her desire to effect change on a larger scale. In 2013, she was appointed Ghana’s Minister for Education under President John Dramani Mahama. Her tenure was marked by bold reforms aimed at improving access to quality education across the country.
One of her notable achievements was the implementation of the progressively free Senior High School policy, which alleviated financial burdens on families and increased enrolment rates. She also championed initiatives to improve teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure in rural schools. Her leadership in the education sector earned her widespread respect, positioning her as a capable and visionary leader.
In 2020, Jane Opoku-Agyemang made history when she was selected as the running mate for John Dramani Mahama in Ghana’s presidential election. This groundbreaking nomination marked the first time a major political party in Ghana had chosen a woman as its vice-presidential candidate.
Her candidacy resonated with many Ghanaians, particularly women and young people, who saw her as a symbol of progress and inclusion. Although the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket did not win the election at the time, Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s historic run redefined the political landscape in Ghana and underscored the importance of gender diversity in leadership. After she lost the election with her opponent, she returned to the classroom and in August 2024, she resigned as the Vice-Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa in Zimbabwe to join politics
Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s contributions to education and politics have left an indelible mark on Ghana and beyond. She was selected again as running mate to Mahama in 2024 and won, becoming the first female Vice President of Ghana
Her life and career continue to inspire countless individuals across Africa, demonstrating that it is possible to excel in multiple fields while staying true to one’s values and vision. Jane Opoku-Agyemang remains an advocate for education and women’s empowerment, using her platform to advance causes that uplift communities and promote sustainable development. As Ghana’s first female Vice President, she has set a precedent for future leaders, proving that with determination and integrity, one can indeed make history.
