Some students at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have expressed confidence that the elevation of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female Vice-President would turn the fortunes of women in the country.
The students see the accomplishment as a significant milestone that highlighted her unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and public service.
It also serves as a testament to the University’s prominent position as a leading centre of academic excellence in Ghana and West Africa, as recognised by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Given her outstanding track record as Ghana’s first female Vice Chancellor, the students perceived her political ascension as a momentous event in Ghanaian politics, positioning her as a trailblazer for women in positions of authority and those aspiring to lead.
Expressing these sentiments to the Ghana News Agency, Ms Mavis Williams Esuon, a student, expressed joy and optimism about Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s new role.
While acknowledging her resilience, she admitted: “Although I did not vote for her, I take pride in Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s affiliation with UCC, as we are recognised as the premier institution in Ghana.”
Ms Emmanuela Kwofie, another student, emphasised the significance of Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s appointment as Ghana’s first female Vice President and head of the economic management team, underscoring its importance for women’s empowerment.
“I am confident that Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s integrity, dedication, and vision for a prosperous Ghana will be evident in the years to come,” she remarked.
Mr Solomon Okine, a Bachelor of Science student majoring in biological science, praised Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s integrity and public service ethos, deeming her the ideal candidate for steering Ghana in the right direction.
He believes that her new position would contribute to the national agenda of fostering inclusivity, diversity and the empowerment of women in leadership roles.
Likewise, a Senior Lecturer, who preferred to remain anonymous, commended Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s achievement for not only inspiring women but also encouraging men to support women in reaching the pinnacle of their potential.
The Lecturer applauded President John Dramani Mahama, the President-elect, for his resolute decision to retain Prof Opoku-Agyemang as the party’s running mate for the 2024 elections, expressing full confidence in her ability to serve effectively as Vice President.
Within the Department of English, where she taught for several years, some Lecturers, and staff members reminisced about her rigorous teaching methods, recalling how students were hesitant to enrol in her courses because she exacted standards.
One staff member, who was once a student of Prof Opoku-Agyemang, fondly remembered her emphasis on academic excellence with statements like, “If you have the potential to attain an ‘A’ grade, then that should be your goal. Settling for a ‘B+’ should not suffice.”
