The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramanu Mahama has officially declared Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang his running mate for the upcoming 2024 general elections.

Previously serving as Mr. Mahama's running mate during the 2020 general elections, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang's candidacy was officially endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party during a meeting held on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

In the upcoming 2024 general elections, the National Executive Committee has formally approved Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate for the party’s flagbearer.

Here's a comprehensive look at Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's background:

Early Life and Education:

Born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Ghana, as Jane Naana Sam, she attended prestigious institutions such as Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, Aburi Presby Girls’ School, and Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast. She completed her B.Ed.(Hons) in English and French at the University of Cape Coast in 1977, followed by advanced studies in French at the University of Dakar and master’s and doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Canada.

Academic Career:

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has had a distinguished academic career, starting at the University of Cape Coast in 1986. She held various positions including Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Vice Chancellor of the University from 2008 to 2012. She also served as Ghana’s representative to the executive board of UNESCO and became Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa in Zimbabwe in 2018.

Authorship:

As an author, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has contributed significantly to the literature field, focusing on topics such as women from Ghana, oral literature in Ghana and Africa, and communication skills and issues in the African Diaspora. She has published scholarly articles and presented papers at various conferences.

Politics:

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang entered politics as the Minister of Education from February 2013 to January 2017, appointed by President John Mahama. She became the first female running mate of the two major political parties in Ghana when she was selected by John Dramani Mahama as the NDC’s running mate for the December 2020 General elections. Her campaign focused on promoting gender balance and equality and advocating for sustainable development and youth-centered policies.

Professional Associations

She is a fellow of several prestigious organisations including the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received honorary degrees and awards for her academic and leadership contributions.

Personal Life:

Prof. Opoku-Agyeman is a devout Christian and a Methodist. She is a mother of three children.

Awards and Recognition:

Throughout her career, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has received numerous awards and recognition for her outstanding contributions to education, leadership, and gender equality, both locally and internationally.

In summary, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's profile exemplifies a remarkable blend of academic excellence, political leadership, and advocacy for gender equality and development in Ghana.