Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially been sworn in as the first female Vice President of the Republic of Ghana. The historic event occurred on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Accra, with Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo administering the Oath of Allegiance and the Vice President’s Oath.
The ceremony, held at the iconic Black Star Square, drew national and international attention as Prof. Opoku-Agyemang shattered a significant glass ceiling in Ghana’s political landscape. Her swearing-in, alongside President John Dramani Mahama, signaled a new era of inclusivity and gender representation in the country’s governance.
A Trailblazer in Education and Politics
Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s journey to the vice presidency is a testament to her trailblazing career as an academic, administrator, and politician. Before venturing into frontline politics, she served as Ghana’s first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university, heading the University of Cape Coast.
Her foray into politics was marked by her appointment as Minister of Education during President Mahama’s first administration. In that role, she led numerous reforms aimed at improving access to quality education, particularly for underserved communities.
Championing Women’s Empowerment
As Vice President, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s elevation represents a significant step forward for women’s empowerment in Ghana and Africa. Her historic candidacy in 2020 as the first woman to run on a major political party’s ticket laid the groundwork for her eventual success in the 2024 elections.
Her rise to the vice presidency is expected to inspire generations of young women across Ghana and beyond, underscoring the message that leadership is attainable regardless of gender.
A New Era of Leadership
With her deep expertise in education and a proven track record of transformative leadership, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang brings a unique perspective to Ghana’s governance. As she embarks on her tenure as Vice President, expectations are high for her contributions to advancing education, equity, and development across the country.
Her partnership with President Mahama, who has championed gender equity throughout his political career, sets the tone for an administration committed to inclusivity and progressive policies.
As Ghana marks this historic chapter, Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s swearing-in is not just a victory for women but a celebration of the nation’s democratic maturity and commitment to diversity in leadership.
Source:NKONKONSA.com