Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, FGA (née Sam), born on 22 November 1951 in Cape Coast, Ghana, is set to make history as Ghana’s first female Vice President following the December 2024 General Elections. A distinguished academic, author, and politician, she has consistently broken barriers in academia, politics, and governance, paving the way for women across Ghana and Africa.
Early Life and Education
Born into an ethnic Fante family, Opoku-Agyemang began her education at Anglican Girls’ School in Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School. She proceeded to the prestigious Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast, where she completed her secondary education in 1971.
Her academic journey took her to the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where she earned a B.Ed. (Hons) in English and French in 1977. She furthered her education at the University of Dakar, obtaining a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French. She completed her Master’s (1980) and Ph.D. (1986) degrees at York University, Canada, specializing in literature.
Trailblazer in Academia
Opoku-Agyemang’s academic career spans decades, beginning in 1986 when she joined the University of Cape Coast as a lecturer. Rising through the ranks, she became: 
- Head of the Department of English
- Dean of the Faculty of Arts
- Founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research
In 2008, she became the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana, serving at UCC until 2012. Her tenure was marked by innovations in graduate education and international collaboration.
Globally, she has represented Ghana on several platforms, including:
- Delivering a presentation at the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery at the United Nations in New York (2007).
- Serving as Ghana’s representative to the UNESCO Executive Board (2009).
She is currently the Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa, based in Zimbabwe, continuing her commitment to advancing women’s education.
Political Career
Minister for Education (2013–2017)
Appointed by President John Dramani Mahama, Opoku-Agyemang served as Ghana’s Minister for Education from 2013 to 2017. Her tenure was defined by transformative policies, including:
- The Inclusive Education Policy (2015): Ensuring access to education for children with special needs.
- Expanding initiatives to empower girl-child education and reduce educational disparities.
Her contributions earned her national and international acclaim for advancing education policy.
Breaking Barriers in Politics
In 2020, she became the first female running mate of a major political party in Ghana when she joined John Mahama on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket. Her campaign was celebrated for its focus on gender equity, youth development, and grassroots mobilization.
Re-nominated in 2024, her strategic campaigning contributed to the NDC’s landslide victory, securing 56.55% of the vote, compared to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 41.61%. Her efforts also helped the NDC reclaim constituencies in battleground regions like Greater Accra and Central.
Contributions Beyond Politics
Author and Advocate
Opoku-Agyemang is an accomplished author whose work focuses on oral literature, women’s issues, and the African diaspora.
She has published extensively in academic journals and authored a five-volume folktale collection titled “Who Told the Most Incredible Story?” during her tenure as Minister of Education.
Professional Associations
She is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and an active member of several organizations, including:
- The African Studies Association (USA)
- The African Literature Association (USA)
- The International Fulbright Scholars Association
Personal Life and Recognition
A devout Methodist, Opoku-Agyemang is married with three children and two grandchildren.
Her work has earned her numerous awards, including:
- Officer of the Order of the Volta (2011) for Academic Distinction
- Ghana Women of Excellence Award for contributions to education
- Honorary degrees from institutions such as the University of the West Indies and Winston-Salem University
In 2023, she was named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans, cementing her status as a role model and trailblazer.
Legacy as Vice President-Elect
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s election as Ghana’s first female Vice President marks a historic moment in the country’s political landscape. Her achievement is not only a victory for women but also a step toward a more inclusive and representative governance system.
Her leadership promises to bring innovative solutions to Ghana’s challenges in education, gender equity, and sustainable development. With decades of experience in academia, administration, and governance, she is poised to serve as a unifying and visionary force in the Mahama administration.
