Prof. Opoku-Agyemang breaks the glass ceiling as Ghana’s first female Vice President
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Prof. Opoku-Agyemang breaks the glass ceiling as Ghana’s first female Vice President
Ghana has etched its name in history by electing its first-ever female Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Her rise to the vice presidency marks a watershed moment in the country’s political and gender equality journey.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s conquest comes as part of the landslide victory secured by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections.
Following the concession of defeat by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Dramani Mahama has been declared President-elect, with Prof. Opoku-Agyemang as Vice President-elect.
Education
She began her education at Anglican Girls’ Secondary School in Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School before enrolling at Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast, where she completed her secondary education.
Continuing her academic pursuit, she earned a B.Ed. (Hons) in English and French at the University of Cape Coast. She also holds a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar.
She later achieved her master’s and doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Canada.
Trailblazing Leadership
At 73 years old, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has enjoyed an illustrious career as an academic, politician, and advocate for education and women’s empowerment.
She previously served as Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017 and was the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.
Her political journey reached a milestone in 2020 when she became the first woman selected as the running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Despite the NDC’s loss in that election, her perseverance has now brought her historic victory in 2024.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and holds memberships in several prestigious organizations, including the African Studies Association and the International Fulbright Scholars Association.
Global Recognition and Awards
Her accolades include honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies and Winston-Salem University, and a Global Leadership Award from the University of South Florida.
In 2011, she received the Officer of the Order of the Volta for Academic Distinction from President John Atta Mills.
Additionally, she was recognized among the 40 Most Inspirational Female Leaders in Ghana in 2020 and named one of the 100 Most Reputable Africans in 2023.
A Victory for Representation
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s victory is a milestone for gender representation in Ghana and across Africa. Her dedication to education, women advocacy and transformative leadership have made her a role model who is inspiring generations to come.
As Ghana transitions to a new era under the leadership of Mahama and Opoku-Agyemang, her achievement cements the progress in creating an inclusive and equitable political landscape.
Source: adomonline.com
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