By Rachel Kakraba
President John Dramani Mahama, says his inauguration together with Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang marks the beginning of an unprecedented history in Ghana. He acknowledged that his Vice, being the first woman to serve in one of the highest offices of the land, is special and marks the beginning of a new dawn for the country in promoting gender equality.
President Mahama, made these remarks when he delivered his inaugural speech, at the Black Stars Square in Accra. He emphasized that Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, reflects all segments of the population which will strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
“This day is particularly special for us and for every Ghanaian who dreams of a society where barriers are shattered and ambitions are realized. With the inauguration of Ghana’s first female vice president, we have turned a significant page in our history”
Adding on president Mahama said “Nana Jane’s ascension to the high office is not merely a personal triumph. It symbolizes our collective commitment to fostering a nation where gender equality and female representation are cherished and amplified. This is a powerful testament to the power of diverse voices to shape the future, voices that have the courage to soar beyond our traditional confines”
President Mahama, expressed his government commitment to remove barriers that have long impeded segments of the population particularly women from reaching their potential.
“My brothers and sisters, together, as we look to the horizon, we reaffirm our dedication to breaking the glass ceiling that has long hindered many from reaching their full potential”
He said with Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang by his side, he is poised to embark on a journey of progress and inclusivity, for a more prosperous Ghana.
“We stand committed to enacting policies that empower women and ensure that the door of opportunity is open wide for our youth and our women, regardless of their background. Together, we’ll galvanize our efforts to create a society where every Ghanaian can dream, believe, and achieve without any restraints”
President Mahama, noted that great leadership is not defined merely by offices occupied, but by the legacy left for future generations. He added that a John Mahama, Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang’s administration, will prioritize inclusivity, accountability and innovation, forging pathways that will lead to the upliftment of all citizens.
Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang made history yesterday, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, when she was sworn in by Chief Justice Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
Born on November 22, 1951 in Cape Coast, in the Central Region, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang attended Anglican Girls’ Secondary School at Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School in the Eastern Region. She then had her secondary education at the Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast, in the Central region from 1964 to 1971.
She completed a bachelor’s degree in English and French at the University of Cape Coast in 1977 and obtained her Masters and Doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1980 and 1986.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, started teaching at the University of Cape Coast, in 1986 and held various academic positions including Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Warden of Adehye Hall, Valco Trust Fund Post-Graduate Hostel, and Dean of School of Graduate Studies and Research.
From 1997, she held the position of Academic Director of the School for International Training in the History and Cultures of the African Diaspora. From 2008-2012 she was the University’s Vice Chancellor.
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.
In October 2009, she was elected Ghana’s representative to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Ahead of the 2012 general election, she moderated a political debate with then journalist and former Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
Between February 2013 and January 2017, she served as the Education Minister under the NDC erstwhile Mahama administration.
She has served on many local and international boards and committees such as the Centre for Democratic Governance, (CDD-Ghana), the Editorial Board of The Harriet Tubman Series on the African Diaspora, the Africa Initiative in Canada, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons as Eminent Citizen.
She has been acknowledged for Outstanding Performance in Advancing International Education, School for International Training, Vermont, USA on two occasions.
In 2020, presidential candidate of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama in consultation with leadership of the party selected, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, as his running mate for the 2020 general election making her the first female to be selected as running mate for a major political party, in the history of the country.
In a lead up to the 2024 general election, Mr. John Dramani Mahama again in consultation with the party leadership, reposed confidence in Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, by confirming her for the running mate position for a second time.
Following the victory of the NDC, in the hotly contested December 7, 2024 polls, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang became Ghana’s first female vice President. By occupying the second highest position on the land and representing a marginalized group in Ghana that is women and children prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang is expected to push the Gender Agenda.
With president Mahama’s inaugural speech reflecting on Prof. Nana Jane’s ascension to the high office as not merely a personal triumph but a collective commitment to fostering a nation where gender equality and female representation are cherished and amplified, Gender activists and Ghanaian women would closely monitor the government to see how well it promotes gender equality.
