Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s first female Veep offers gender-balanced governance

Ghana witnessed a landmark moment on Tuesday as Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was sworn in as the country’s first female Vice-President. The historic ceremony, held at Independence Square in Accra, was attended by thousands who gathered to witness this significant achievement in the nation’s political history.
Led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang took the Oath of Office, pledging to serve with integrity and dedication. Her ascension to the second-highest office in the land marks a new chapter in Ghana’s journey toward gender equity and inclusiveness.

Women constitute 51% of the electorate, making their voices pivotal in shaping the political landscape.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s rise aligns Ghana with this global shift towards gender-balanced governance.
Notable examples of countries with female presidents include Dominica (Sylvanie Burton), Barbados (Sandra Mason), Georgia (Salome Zourabichvili), Greece (Katerina Sakellaropoulou), and Honduras (Xiomara Castro).
This list extends to countries like India (Droupadi Murmu), Taiwan (Tsai Ing-wen), and Trinidad and Tobago (Christine Kangaloo), among others.
Africa has also seen a wave of female leadership, with Joyce Banda in Malawi, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim in Mauritius, Sahle-Work Zewde in Ethiopia, and Elisabeth Domitien in the Central African Republic.

Female vice-presidents and prime ministers have served in nations such as The Gambia, Tanzania, Zambia, Liberia, Burundi, Rwanda, Senegal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Togo, Uganda, Mozambique, Mali, Namibia, and DR Congo.
Advocates for female leadership stress that women’s perspectives are essential for addressing socioeconomic challenges, from poverty to public health crises.
Though Ghana has made strides in various fields, women in politics still face significant barriers.
They highlight that women in leadership roles can offer new perspectives and solutions, essential for combating poverty and disease.
Despite significant strides in various professional fields, including education, sports, business, politics, fashion, and music, Ghana’s political arena still presents challenges for women.
However, the examples set by other African nations show that gender diversity in leadership is achievable and beneficial.

Trailblazing career in education and leadership
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang brings a wealth of experience to the Vice-Presidency.
A distinguished academic, she previously served as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana, the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
Her tenure as Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017 saw her implement key reforms, including the Progressive Free Senior High School Policy, the expansion of the School Feeding Programme, and the establishment of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
Her remarkable career began in academia, where she rose from lecturer to Professor of Literature at UCC. She has also held several leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Head of the English Department.

Educational background and achievements
Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s educational journey is as inspiring as her career. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French from the University of Ghana, as well as a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of York, United Kingdom.
Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications on literature, education, and gender studies, such as The Politics of Female Representation in African Literature (2004) and Women’s Voices in Ghanaian Literature (2010).

Advancing gender equity in Ghana
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s appointment comes at a time when Ghana is making significant strides in promoting gender parity.
The recent passage of the Affirmative Action and Gender Equity Law underscores the nation’s commitment to achieving greater representation of women in leadership roles.
Her tenure as Vice-President is expected to inspire women across Ghana and beyond, setting a powerful example for future generations.

Honors and recognitions
Throughout her illustrious career, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has been recognized for her contributions to education and public service.
Among her accolades are the Order of the Volta (Companion) in 2008, Fellowship of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2011, and the Ghana Women of Excellence Award in 2017.

Personal life and legacy
A devout Christian and a member of the Methodist Church, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is married and the mother of three children.
Her legacy is one of breaking barriers and championing education, equity, and service to Ghana.
As she assumes her new role, expectations are high for her to continue her trailblazing journey, contributing to national development and serving as a beacon of hope for women and young people across the country.
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
As Ghana’s Vice-President, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang represents a beacon of hope and progress.