Elite Teachers Back Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for NDC 2028 Flagbearer Slot

The Platform for Elite Teachers has thrown its full support behind Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the preferred flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday February, 25, the group described Prof. Opoku-Agyemang as a transformational leader whose career reflects academic excellence, integrity, courage and unwavering dedication to national development.

According to the Platform, the Vice President’s educational journey began at Wesley Girls’ High School before she pursued higher studies both locally and abroad. She obtained a Diplôme Supérieur d’Études Françaises from the University of Dakar, a Bachelor’s degree with a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast, and later earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from York University in Canada.

Upon returning to Ghana, she steadily rose through the academic ranks, serving as lecturer, Hall Warden, Head of Department, Dean, Founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, and eventually Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.

Her appointment in 2008 as Vice-Chancellor made history, as she became the first woman to head a public university in Ghana. During her tenure, the university experienced significant expansion in academic programmes, postgraduate education, research capacity and ICT infrastructure. Internet connectivity was enhanced, and new programmes were introduced in areas such as agriculture, environmental science, public policy, oil and gas management, and community development.

The teachers further highlighted her broader contributions to national development, including support for the establishment of a National Fisheries College and advocacy for technology-driven education to align learning with economic transformation.

They noted that her achievements have earned her several honours, including the Officer of the Order of the Volta and the Ghana Women of Excellence Award. She is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and has served on international platforms such as UNESCO’s Executive Board and the Association of African Universities.

The Platform stated that her move into national politics was a continuation of her lifelong commitment to service. As Minister for Education, she worked to expand access and improve quality and equity in the sector. Currently serving as Vice President alongside President John Dramani Mahama, she has championed human capital development, youth empowerment, gender inclusion and governance reforms.

Drawing inspiration from Ghana’s history, the group compared her resilience and boldness to that of Yaa Asantewaa, while also describing her leadership style as compassionate and service-oriented.

They emphasised that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s consultative and evidence-based leadership distinguishes her as a unifier who prioritises institution-building and long-term national progress over short-term political gains.

“As Ghana looks ahead to 2028, we need leadership that is intellectually grounded, socially responsive and capable of uniting the country,” the group stated.

The Platform for Elite Teachers therefore urged members of the NDC and Ghanaians at large to rally behind Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections.

The press conference was addressed by Musah De-Graft Coleman, General Secretary of the Platform for Elite Teachers.