Her inauguration is another milestone in her journey from distinguished academic to national leader. Long before entering the political arena, she achieved historic firsts as the first female vice-chancellor of a Ghanaian public university in 2008, and Ghana's first female minister of education, appointed by then-president John Mahama after the 2012 Ghanaian general election.
Professor Solomon Boakye-Yiadom, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies Dean J.J. McMurtry, Vice-President of Ghana Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Vice-President Research & Innovation Amir Asif, Professor Godfred Boateng and Director of Global and Community Partnerships Julie Hard during a meeting in Cape Coast in early 2024 during York's first institutional visit to Ghana.
Her journey began in 1977 at the University of Cape Coast where she graduated with a BA (Hons) in education. She followed up with a master's and doctoral degree in 1980 and 1986 respectively, both in English literature, at York University.
Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Alice MacLachlan, says: "Professor Opoku-Agyemang's trajectory as an alumna speaks to the nature of graduate research here at York - in particular, our commitment to cutting-edge research that remains socially engaged and grounded.
"We are all extraordinarily proud of her achievements and her commitment to political leadership and empowerment, and we honour her status as the first woman to take on so many crucial roles: first woman vice-chancellor of a Ghanian public university, first woman minister of education, and - now - first woman vice-president. Professor Opoku-Agyemang's example reminds us that a master's or doctoral degree from York - in any field - empowers our alumni to change the world."
Opoku-Agyemang taught and worked at the University of Cape Coast beginning in 1986. She has 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 the founding dean of School of Graduate Studies and Research. In 1997, she was named academic director of the School for International Training in the History and Cultures of the African Diaspora. From 2008-12, she was the Cape Coast University's vice-chancellor.
In November 2019, she returned to York's Keele Campus to participate in the Tubman Talks series for the discussion "On Feminizing the Academic Space in Ghana: The Story of a York U Alumna," where she shared her experiences as an academic in Ghana. With a population of more than 36 million people, Ghana is a country in western Africa, situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in March 1957.
"Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang's historic appointment as Ghana's first female vice-president is a significant achievement that reflects her commitment to education, leadership and public service," says J.J. McMurtry, dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. "Her accomplishment underscores her role as a pioneer for women in leadership, illustrating the potential for transformative change within governance and public service. As an alumna of York, her success serves as an inspiration for our students and exemplifies the values of our Faculty, highlighting the impact of a York education in shaping leaders who contribute meaningfully to society. We look forward to seeing the continued impact she will make in her field and on the next generation of student leaders in Ghana."
In July 2020, when she was first chosen to be his vice-presidential running mate by former president John Dramani Mahama, Opoku-Agyemang said: "Making history is gratifying; but what really matters is not to be first through the door. What matters is to hold the door open for those behind us and create other avenues for self-actualization for many more."
Opoku-Agyemang's journey serves as a testament to the limitless potential of dreams. Her achievement not only sets new precedents, but also ignites the belief that no dream is unachievable. Through hard work, resilience and an unwavering commitment to her vision, she has paved the way for future generations of women and Black leaders everywhere.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
