Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Sworn in as Ghana’s First Female Vice President

In a historic moment for Ghana, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was officially sworn in as vice president on January 7, 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the country’s history.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at Independence Square in Accra, was presided over by Chief Justice Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo.

The event, steeped in national pride, marked a milestone in Ghana’s political evolution and celebrated the strides made toward gender equality in leadership.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who served as the running mate to President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 elections, now assumes the second-highest office in the land. Mahama’s decisive victory over the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, paved the way for this groundbreaking achievement.

Her elevation to the vice presidency is being hailed as a watershed moment for women’s empowerment in Ghana and across the African continent.

With an illustrious career in education and governance, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As a former Minister of Education and Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, she has a track record of transformative leadership, particularly in the fields of education and social development.

Her leadership is expected to focus on promoting gender equality, advancing education reform, and empowering the youth—areas she has consistently championed throughout her career.

In her inaugural address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed her commitment to serving the Ghanaian people with integrity and dedication. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and outlined her vision to work closely with President Mahama to deliver on the government’s promises.

“This is a victory not just for women but for every Ghanaian who believes in the power of inclusion and equal opportunity,” she said.

The swearing-in was attended by dignitaries, foreign envoys, and representatives of women’s advocacy groups who lauded her achievement as a beacon of hope for young girls aspiring to leadership roles.

Many Ghanaians took to social media to celebrate her historic ascension, with messages highlighting the inspiration her leadership provides to future generations.

As Vice President, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang faces the task of supporting the Mahama administration in tackling pressing national challenges, including economic recovery, education access, and unemployment.

Her supporters believe her expertise and leadership style will bring innovative solutions to these issues while fostering a more inclusive governance approach.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s historic rise to the vice presidency underscores Ghana’s progress as a democratic nation that values diversity and inclusion. As she takes on this transformative role, she carries the hopes of millions who see her as a trailblazer and advocate for a more equitable society.

Her leadership signals a brighter, more inclusive future for Ghana, one where barriers are broken and opportunities are expanded for all.