Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang: A Trailblazer in Academia and Politics

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a Ghanaian academic and politician, was born on November 22, 1951.

She is the mother of three adult children: Dr. Kweku A. Opoku-Agyemang, Dr. Kwabena D. Opoku-Agyemang, and Dr. Adwoa A. Opoku Agyemang. The retired educationist has two grandchildren, Nana Kwesi and Papa Kweku.

With a rich background in education, she has made significant contributions to Ghana’s academic landscape.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang started her career at the University of Cape Coast in 1986, where she held various academic positions, including Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Warden of Adehye Hall, Valco Trust Fund Post-Graduate Hostel, and Founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

During her tenure, she revitalized UCC as an award-winning global center of excellence, introduced innovative projects such as producing drinking water and cleaning materials, and upgraded the university’s school farm to serve the university and its surrounding communities, including the Cape Coast municipality.

She also enhanced facilities for employees, constructed a crèche to support young women employees, and established a new kitchen complex to meet the university’s growing needs.

From 2008 to 2012 she was the university’s Vice Chancellor.
As the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, she made significant contributions to the development and growth of the institution, focusing on academic excellence and research advancement.

Additionally, she served as the Academic Director of the School for International Training in the History and Cultures of the African Diaspora in 1997.

Transitioning into politics, the Professor held ministerial positions in Ghana, notably serving as Minister for Education from 2009 to 2013.

She championed policies to enhance the quality and accessibility of education while promoting gender equality in schools.

In a historic move, she became the first female running mate for a major political party in Ghana during the 2020 general election, joining the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket with John Dramani Mahama. This was a significant stride towards gender inclusivity in Ghanaian politics.

She has again been chosen to partner NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama as running mate in the December general election.

Throughout her career, Professor Opoku-Agyemang has been a staunch advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, leading to her recognition as a board member and President of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) from 2017 to 2023.

She has academically earned for herself numerous accolades, including honorary doctorate degrees from institutions such as the University of the West Indies, Winston Salem University, Grand Valley State University, and the University of Cape Coast.

She has also been honoured with prestigious awards such as the Global Leadership Award and the Officer of the Order of the Volta award for Academic Distinction.

Her exemplary leadership and dedication to education and public service have earned her recognition as one of the 40 Most Inspirational Female Leaders in Ghana and among the 100 most reputable Africans in January 2023.

In an exclusive interview with Chris Atadika of the University of Ghana Business School on RGG News, Prof Opoku-Agyemang was commended for her impeccable reputation devoid of scandals or controversies, distinguishing her from other politicians.

Mr. Atadika mentioned her potential to advance gender equality within the NDC through her advocacy and policymaking influence.

He commended her professionalism, experience, and academic achievements, highlighting her as a symbol of gender equality and inspiration for the youth to aspire to greater heights while maintaining integrity.