Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is a distinguished Ghanaian academic, educator, and politician with a remarkable career in education and public service. Here are key details about her:
Academic Background and Achievements
- Education: She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in English and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. She earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Canada.
- Career in Academia:
- Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is a professor of English with a specialization in literature.
- She became the first female Vice-Chancellor of a Ghanaian public university when she was appointed to head the University of Cape Coast in 2008, a position she held until 2012.
- She has authored numerous publications in literature and education and has been a mentor to many in the academic field.
Political Career
- Minister for Education: From 2013 to 2017, she served as Ghana’s Minister for Education under the government of President John Dramani Mahama. During her tenure, she championed several educational reforms, including the expansion of access to secondary education and teacher development programs.
- 2020 Vice Presidential Candidate:
- In 2020, she was selected as the running mate of John Dramani Mahama for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana’s general elections, making history as the first woman to be nominated by a major political party in Ghana for the vice presidency.
- Her nomination was celebrated as a significant step toward gender equality in Ghanaian politics.
Contributions and Legacy
- Advocacy for Women and Education: Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for women’s empowerment and access to quality education. She is recognized as a role model for young women in Ghana and beyond.
- Reforms in Education: As Minister of Education, she worked on initiatives to improve teacher training, reduce disparities in education, and enhance infrastructure in schools.
Recognition
- Professor Opoku-Agyemang has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to education and public service, both in Ghana and internationally.
Personal Life
She is known for her humility, strong work ethic, and commitment to education and national development. She is a mother and grandmother and continues to inspire many through her achievements and advocacy.
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang remains a prominent figure in Ghana’s socio-political and educational landscape.