Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Biography: Children, Political Party, Husband, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is a distinguished academic and politician. She served as Ghana’s Minister for Education from 2013 to 2017.

She made history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana at the University of Cape Coast, where she held the position from 2008 to 2012.

In January 2025, she was inaugurated as the eighth Vice President of Ghana under President John Mahama.

Opoku-Agyemang holds a Bachelor of Education in English and French, a Master’s degree, and a Ph.D. from York University, Canada.

Profile

• Full Name: Jane Naana Sam
• Stage Name: Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
• Born: November 22, 1951
• Age: 73 years old
• Birthplace: Cape Coast, Ghana
• Nationality: Ghanaian
• Occupation: Ghanaian academic and politician
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Theophilus Brown Kisseh Okudzeto and Madam Abena Okudzeto
• Siblings: Kweku Opoku-Agyemang and Maame Adwoa Opoku-Agyemang
• Spouse: Edmund Opoku-Agyemang
• Children: Dr. Kweku Opoku-Agyemang, Dr. Kwabena Opoku-Agyemang, and Dr. Maame Adwoa Opoku-Agyemang
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $510,000 and $5 million

Early Life And Education

Jane Naana Sam was born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Ghana, to Theophilus Brown Kisseh Okudzeto and Madam Abena Okudzeto. She has two siblings: a brother, Kweku Opoku-Agyemang, and a sister, Maame Adwoa Opoku-Agyemang, who also holds a doctorate.

She received her early education at Anglican Girls’ School in Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School. From 1964 to 1971, she attended Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast for her secondary education. Opoku-Agyemang went on to earn a Bachelor of Education (Hons) in English and French from the University of Cape Coast in 1977.

She furthered her studies with a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar, followed by a master’s degree in 1980 and a doctorate in 1986, both from York University in Toronto, Canada. Opoku-Agyemang is of Fante ethnicity, a subgroup of the Akan people in Ghana, and practices Christianity.

Career

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has had a distinguished career in academia and politics. She holds a B.Ed. in English and French from the University of Cape Coast, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. from York University in Canada.

Opoku-Agyemang began her academic journey at the University of Cape Coast in 1986, where she held leadership roles such as Head of the Department of English and Dean of the Faculty of Arts.

In 2008, she made history as the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana. There, she focused on enhancing infrastructure and advancing opportunities for women in academia.

Her contributions to education extended beyond her university roles. For over a decade, she served as the Academic Director of the School for International Training’s African Diaspora Program.

This extensive experience in education led to her appointment as Ghana’s Minister for Education from 2013 to 2017 under President John Mahama. Opoku-Agyemang implemented significant educational reforms during her tenure and represented Ghana on international platforms, including serving on UNESCO’s Executive Board.

In addition to her government role, Opoku-Agyemang has advocated for women’s rights and education. Her literary work on women in literature and oral traditions in Africa has been widely recognized.

She has received numerous awards and honorary degrees for her contributions to education and leadership. Opoku-Agyemang’s ability to break barriers in both academia and politics has made her a trailblazer, and her advocacy for gender equality continues to inspire many.

Opoku-Agyemang was selected as John Mahama’s running mate for the 2020 Ghanaian presidential election and was nominated again in 2024. Following their victory, she became Ghana’s first female Vice President, inaugurated on January 7, 2025.

Her leadership and dedication to education, particularly in advancing opportunities for women across Africa, have solidified her legacy as a prominent figure in Ghanaian and African politics.

Awards and Nominations

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has received numerous awards and honors, including:

• Officer of the Order of the Volta for Academic Distinction (2011).
• Ghana Women of Excellence Award in Education.
• Global Leadership Award from the University of South Florida.
• Named among the 40 Most Inspirational Female Leaders in Ghana and 100 Most Influential Women in Africa in 2020.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @njoagyemang
• Facebook handle: Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
• Twitter handle: @NJOAgyemang

Personal Life

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is married to Edmund Opoku-Agyemang, a lawyer and lecturer at the University of Ghana. Together, they have three children: Dr. Kweku, Dr. Kwabena, and Dr. Maame Adwoa Opoku-Agyemang, all of whom hold doctorates in their respective fields. On January 7, 2025, she made history as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

Net Worth

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s net worth is between $510,000 and $5 million. She has accumulated her wealth through her career as a prominent Ghanaian academic and politician. She has served as the eighth Vice President of Ghana since January 7, 2025, under President John Mahama.