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

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:

1. Political Beginnings:
   • Gained political visibility in 2012 when she co-hosted the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) presidential debates.
2. Ministerial Role:
   • Served as Ghana’s Minister of Education under President Mahama from 2013 to 2017, shaping educational reforms and policy.
3. Academic Leadership:
   • Became the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in 2008, breaking new ground for women in academia.
4. 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.
5. Chancellor Role:
   • Currently serving as the second female Chancellor of Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe.
6. Global Influence:
   • Chairs over 20 boards and committees, including the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and UNESCO’s Executive Board.
7. Board Leadership:
   • Led multiple prestigious bodies, such as the Council of University of Education, Winneba, and the Ghana Centre for Democracy Development.
8. Honours and Recognition:
   • A two-time Fulbright Scholar, recipient of four honorary doctorates, the Global Leadership Award, and many national and international honours.
9. Global Scholar:
   • Delivered a key presentation at the United Nations Headquarters during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in 2007.
10. 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.