Ghana’s Vice-President-elect, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has vowed to champion inclusivity and empowerment, particularly for women, following her historic election as the first female Vice-President in the country’s history.
Speaking after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, was declared the winner of the 2024 elections, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reiterated her commitment to using her role to create opportunities for others.
"I know this is a big responsibility, and I don't intend to travel the journey by myself. You are all part of it. The NDC is an inclusive party, and we are demonstrating it in many ways,” she affirmed.
She described her position as not one of personal glory but a platform to empower others to succeed. “My job was to open the door, and it does not end there; actually, that is where the work begins. I will hold the door open. The method of hope of opening the door, the method of holding the door open so others wish to travel that door is what I'm implying. It is not a self-aggrandizing position. It is a position that empowers others,” she explained.
Inclusivity as a pillar of development
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored the NDC’s commitment to inclusivity and its efforts to break barriers, highlighting the importance of collective action in Ghana’s development.
“This country is not going to be built only by half the gender. Whether we are in the public space or not, the roles we play are significant. As the NDC, we have accepted the responsibility to facilitate this process,” she stated.
Call to action for all Ghanaians
The Vice-President-elect urged Ghanaians to contribute to the nation’s progress, especially by uplifting those who were marginalised or overlooked. Her remarks emphasised the necessity of collaboration across all segments of society to achieve sustainable development.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s election marks a milestone in Ghana’s history, as she is poised to become the country's first female Vice-President.