Ghana’s First Female VP Opoku-Agyemang Takes Oath of Office

Ghana has reached a historic milestone in its political history. Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang became the first woman to serve as Vice President since the country gained independence 67 years ago. This breakthrough achievement breaks the glass ceiling and sets a new standard in Ghana’s political world.

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s background as a distinguished academic and former Minister of Education adds decades of leadership experience to her new position. Her appointment signals a major change in Ghana’s political dynamics, especially when you have women in governance. She showed exceptional leadership skills and steadfast dedication to national development through her years of service in education and public administration.

Historic Milestone Achievement

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s election stands as a defining moment in Ghana’s democratic experience. She has become the country’s first female Vice President, breaking new ground in a nation where women make up 51% of the population.

This breakthrough becomes even more remarkable in Ghana’s current political climate. Women occupy just 14.5% of parliamentary seats. The country stands at 88th place among 146 nations in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report. This appointment represents a major leap forward to address gender gaps in political leadership.

People from all walks of life have embraced this historic milestone. A 2022 Afrobarometer survey shows that 67% of Ghanaians back women’s equal role in politics. Women’s groups across the country have celebrated this achievement as a win for gender equality and representation.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted her appointment’s broader impact in her acceptance speech: “My nomination has many implications… It means all of us are on board. The victory is for all of us, but especially for our daughters, for our youth, for our women”. Her words reflect a steadfast dedication to create opportunities for future women leaders.

Ghana now joins other African nations that champion gender equality in leadership. This milestone achievement challenges traditional gender roles in Ghanaian politics and creates a model for women’s participation in high-level governance throughout the continent.

Journey to Vice Presidency

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s path to historic vice presidency started at Anglican Girls’ School and Aburi Presby Girls’ School. She continued her education at Wesley Girls High School from 1964 to 1971. The University of Cape Coast awarded her a Bachelor’s degree in English and French in 1977.

York University in Toronto shaped her advanced education. She earned her master’s degree in 1980 and completed her doctorate in 1986. Her career at the University of Cape Coast began as a lecturer. She steadily rose through leadership roles and became the institution’s first female Vice-Chancellor in 2008.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s achievements include:

• Selection as one of five scholars to present at the UN Headquarters for the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in 2007
• Appointment as Ghana’s representative to UNESCO’s executive board in 2009
• Service as Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017

John Mahama’s selection of her as his running mate in 2020 marked a new chapter in her political career. The 2020 electoral defeat did not shake her dedication to public service. She stepped down from her role as Vice-Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa in Zimbabwe in August 2024 to focus on her political goals. Her steadfast dedication concluded with a successful election among John Mahama in the 2024 presidential election.

Swearing-in Ceremony Highlights

Ghana’s Independence Square witnessed a historic ceremony as Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang took her oath of office on January 7, 2025. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo presided over this landmark moment in the nation’s history.

Several international leaders attended the ceremony, including:

• Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• Kenyan President William Ruto
• Representatives from the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom

The ceremony began at 8:30 am with traditional protocols. The Black Star Square had three distinct zones that accommodated Parliament, invited guests, and the general public. Security teams implemented strict measures and closed roads temporarily around the venue.

The nation celebrated as Professor Opoku-Agyemang took her oath. Women throughout Ghana showed their pride and saw this achievement as proof of their leadership potential.

President Akufo-Addo celebrated this milestone with the nation. “For the first time in our nation’s history, we have a female Vice President. This is an achievement that deserves celebration from all of us,” he remarked.

This ceremony meant more than a political transition – it reshaped gender representation in Ghana’s governance. Citizens across the country watched this crucial moment in their democracy through live broadcast.

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has made history as Ghana’s first female Vice President. This watershed moment showcases how Ghana’s governance system continues to evolve. Without doubt, her achievement goes beyond personal success and marks a crucial step forward for women’s representation in African politics.

Local and international communities have shown tremendous support that confirms this milestone’s importance. Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s remarkable rise from university lecturer to Vice President inspires countless women and girls in Ghana and beyond. Her appointment breaks traditional gender barriers and creates a powerful example for future female leaders in West Africa.

Ghana’s political landscape shows its steadfast dedication to progressive governance and equal representation through this historic moment. Professor Opoku-Agyemang brings fresh views and innovative approaches to national development. Her rich background in education and public service makes her well-suited to tackle the challenges ahead.