Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, PhD, FGA: Vice President of the Republic of Ghana

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is a distinguished academic, educator, and leader who has made history as the first female Vice President of Ghana. Her career is marked by groundbreaking achievements in education, leadership, and advocacy for gender equality.

Academic and Leadership Roles

• Chancellor: Served as Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa (2018-2024).
• Vice Chancellor: First woman to lead a university in Ghana, serving as Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) from 2008 to 2012.
• Minister for Education: Held the position from 2013 to 2017, driving reforms and expanding access to education in Ghana.
• President of FAWE: Former President of the Forum for African Women Educationalists and Chairperson of its Africa Board.

At UCC, she held multiple roles:

• Head of the Department of English
• Dean of the Faculty of Arts
• Founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research
• Dean of the Board of Graduate Studies

Educational Background

Professor Opoku-Agyemang holds several academic qualifications:

• BA (Hons) in French and English, and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast.
• Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar, Senegal.
• MA and PhD in Literature from York University, Toronto, Canada.
• Twice a Fulbright Scholar, showcasing her commitment to global academic collaboration.

Awards and Honors

Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:

• Officer of the Order of the Volta for Academic Distinction.
• Ghana Women of Excellence Award (Education Category).
• Honorary Doctorates:
  • Doctor of Letters, University of Cape Coast.
  • Doctor of Humane Letters, Grand Valley State University and Winston Salem State University, USA.
  • Doctor of Laws, University of the West Indies.
• Global Leadership Award, University of South Florida, USA.
• Recognized twice for Outstanding Performance in Advancing International Education, Vermont, USA.

Board Memberships

She has been a member of numerous prestigious boards, including:

• Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (Eminent Citizen).
• Centre for Democratic Governance (CDD-Ghana).
• Executive Board of UNESCO.
• Global Advisory Council, World Learning Inc.
• Editorial Board of The Harriet Tubman Series on the African Diaspora (York University, Canada).

Professional Fellowships

• Life Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning.
• Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.

As Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang continues to inspire many with her leadership, prioritizing education, inclusivity, and social development. Her trailblazing career has left an indelible mark on academia and governance in Ghana and beyond.