The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang will once again be the running mate for John Mahama in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
This decision marks her second stint as a vice-presidential candidate, having previously served in the same capacity during the 2020 election, which the NDC lost. Before venturing into politics, Professor Opoku-Agyemang held the position of Minister for Education from 2013 to 2017.
During her tenure, she focused on several key educational reforms, including efforts to reduce teacher absenteeism, establish special schools, and implement policies such as the BECE Private Candidates Policy.
Notably, she played a crucial role in the introduction of the progressively Free SHS program, which aimed to enhance access to secondary education. Additionally, her administration prioritized infrastructural development, contributing to the overall improvement of the quality of education in Ghana.
Aside from her political endeavors, Professor Opoku-Agyemang boasts an impressive academic background. She served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and held the position of Chancellor at the Women’s University in Africa, located in Zimbabwe.
Her educational journey began at Aburi Girls and Wesley Girls High School before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Cape Coast. She later obtained a PhD in English literature from York University in Canada.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang has chaired numerous Boards and Committees, including the Council of the University College of Education, Winneba, and the Academic Committee of the Ghana Council for Tertiary Education.
Her contributions to education have been recognized with various honors and awards. She is also an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and the African Literature Association, USA.
As a two-time Fulbright scholar and a Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Professor Opoku-Agyemang continues to inspire and mentor countless students, reflecting her dedication to education and leadership.
