biography of jane naana opoku agyemang

biography of jane naana opoku agyemang

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang  is a distinguished Ghanaian academic, politician, and educationist who has made significant contributions to education and public service in Ghana.

Early Life and Education

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Ghana. She attended Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast for her secondary education and later pursued higher education at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Diploma in Education. She furthered her education at York University in Canada, earning a Master’s and a PhD in English Literature.

Academic Career  

Opoku-Agyemang began her career as a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to become a full professor of English Literature. She served as the Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and the founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research at UCC.

In 2008, she was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, becoming the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana. Her tenure was marked by several initiatives to enhance academic standards, infrastructure development, and gender inclusivity.

Political Career  

In 2013, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was appointed Ghana’s Minister of Education under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama. During her tenure, she implemented significant educational reforms, including the removal of teacher trainee allowances and the introduction of progressive free secondary education.

In 2020, she was selected as the running mate of John Dramani Mahama for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the general elections, becoming the first female vice-presidential candidate of a major political party in Ghana. Her nomination was widely celebrated as a step forward for gender equality in Ghanaian politics.

Achievements and Honors

Opoku-Agyemang has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to academia and public service, including honorary degrees from several institutions. She is also a fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal Life

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is married to Dr. B. K. A. Opoku-Agyemang, and they have three children. She is known for her advocacy for women’s empowerment, education, and social equity.

Her legacy continues to inspire many, particularly women and young people in Ghana and beyond.