
A historic moment was witnessed in Ghana as President John Mahama was sworn into office, with Opoku-Agyemang becoming the first female Vice President. Leaders across Africa joined the ceremony in Accra as the country made a major step toward better gender representation in its political landscape.
Early Life and Education of Opoku-Agyemang
She was born on November 22, 1951. She began her schooling at Anglican Girls’ School, Koforidua, then went to Aburi Presby Girls’ School, and afterward to Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast from 1964 to 1971.
In 1977, Opoku-Agyemang received her Bachelor of Education Hons in English and French from the University of Cape Coast. Later on, she acquired a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar. She had an advanced degree at York University in Toronto, Canada, in 1980, and a Doctorate in 1986.
Opoku-Agyemang’s Career and Achievements
Opoku-Agyemang started her career as a professor of Literature. She became the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana and later led the University of Cape Coast.
Her political career was furthered when she was appointed Minister of Education from February 2013 to January 2017. In 2007, she spoke at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery. In two years, she was elected to represent Ghana on the UNESCO executive board.
Opoku-Agyemang’s Political Journey
In 2012, she moderated Ghana’s presidential debate. In 2020, she was selected to be the vice-presidential candidate for John Mahama in the presidential election. The ticket lost, and she went back to teaching until 2024, when she resigned as Vice-Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa to return to politics.
In 2024, Mahama again chose her as his running mate. This time around, their ticket won, and she became Ghana’s first female Vice President.
Impact and Future Prospects
Opoku-Agyemang’s leadership inspires women in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Her journey poverty, persistence, and commitment to public service are what have brought her to this position. As Vice President, she is expected to champion education, gender equality, and economic reforms.
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References
- From classroom to politics: Meet Ghana’s first female Vice President, Jane Opoku-Agyemang
- From Classroom to Politics: the Jane Opoku-Agyemang Story