Society sets certain standards by which people are measured, and it is the conviction of every Ghanaian that if the nation cannot bequeath anything at all to its people, it must at least bequeath to them a leader with a high sense of morality, uprightness, and humility.
These are the leadership qualities of the first female Vice President of Ghana, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s dedication to work is evident in how she complements the efforts of President John Dramani Mahama. She has quietly but actively supported the President in providing the needed pivot and respect for the nation’s forward march.
In Ghana, the Vice President is the number two official in government and is regarded as the next most powerful person after the President — both in theory and in practice.
As such, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has proven herself to be a humble leader whose humility knows no bounds. What the people of Ghana seek is a humble, selfless, truly confident, intelligent, non-corrupt, God-fearing Vice President who is hardworking and focused.
She is well recognised for her many achievements and immense contributions to the polity, communal liberalism, growth, and the general welfare of the people of Ghana. Beyond these, she is dearly loved and respected.
She has remained in the consciousness of her friends and contemporaries as a builder of human social bridges. She is a teacher, technocrat, democrat, and a woman of transparent honesty and humility — a perfect lady and a loving mother to the less privileged in society. She is an unshakable believer in unity.
She interacts and consults extensively with the media to acquaint herself with national issues rather than seeking attention through excessive talk.
Every nation’s leadership looks for the kind of women it needs to drive policies. Some succeed and deliver on policy objectives without making noise, ensuring that the machinery of governance moves in the right direction without losing focus.
A leader succeeds by selecting the right team that buys into his vision and programmes and achieves his objectives. That is why some Presidents retain certain elements in their Cabinet for a long time.
President Mahama has maintained confidence in Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, recognising her loyalty to the party and her peaceful conduct in office.
President Mahama recently paid glowing tribute to his Vice President during a national Thanksgiving service marking one year in office. He described her as a pillar of support and an exemplar of integrity in national leadership.
“I reserve my special thanks for my Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, a woman of dignity and quiet strength,” the President declared.
He added that her leadership qualities and commitment to duty have been invaluable to the administration. “I could not have wished for a better assistant to help me bear the heavy load Ghanaians have entrusted to me,” he said, acknowledging the pressures of governance.
The President concluded by invoking God’s blessings upon her: “Nana Jane, God richly bless you.”
The Vice President has also played a key role in the success of the NDC government. Her mastery of public administration and her ability to balance policy priorities, political dynamics, and economic challenges have been commendable.
She has consistently called on Ghanaians to remain patient and keep faith with the government as it works toward lasting national transformation.
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang currently chairs the newly inaugurated 12-member Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy, tasked with providing strategic direction and policy advice on the management and transformation of Ghana’s economy. The committee is expected to assess prevailing economic conditions and recommend measures aimed at stabilising the macroeconomic environment, boosting investor confidence, and accelerating inclusive growth.
As the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, serving from 2008 to 2012, she broke barriers and demonstrated exemplary leadership. She later served as Minister for Education from 2013 to 2017, championing reforms aimed at expanding access and strengthening quality within the education sector.
Her influence extends beyond Ghana. From 2018 to 2024, she served as Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa in Harare, Zimbabwe. She also served as President of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and Chairperson of the Africa Board, underscoring her continental stature in advancing gender equity and education.
She understands the workings of ministries, departments, and agencies, and appreciates the dynamics between government programmes and opposition responses. As the President’s trusted ally and chief strategist, she plays a crucial role in navigating issues between the executive and the legislature.
When she speaks, it is grounded in facts. Over the years, she has quietly brokered truces and eased tensions on several national issues, including in her capacity as Chairperson of the Police and Armed Forces Council.
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is a quiet yet vibrant woman whose depth of knowledge is remarkable. She understands Ghana’s current economic conditions and works tirelessly with her team to address national challenges for the benefit of all.
All must rally behind the Vice President to ensure her continued success for Mother Ghana.
About The Writer
Mr Maxwell Okamafo Addo is a Ghanaian farmer, journalist, and social media influencer best known for his work in presidential reporting. His hobbies include farming and playing golf.
He previously served as Media Aide to the late Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur and Matilda Amissah-Arthur, and was a former organiser of the Presidential Press Corps under the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
He has also worked as a presidential speechwriter within the sub-region and has participated in eight ECOWAS Election Observation Missions, serving in leadership roles across West Africa, including assignments in Guinea Conakry, Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Benin.
A trained, experienced, and accredited long- and short-term election observer, Mr Addo is also a forthright public commentator widely known for his vocal style.
