Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang became Ghana’s 8th Vice-President on January 7, 2025, making history as the first woman to occupy the position.

Her elevation to the second-highest office in the land was a significant milestone for women’s political representation.

However, beyond the historic achievement, questions have emerged about what her vice-presidency means in practical terms for the government and the people she serves.

As vice-president under President John Dramani Mahama, Opoku-Agyemang occupies a position that combines constitutional responsibilities, political influence and the expectation that she will help advance the administration’s priorities.

But how much power does the office give her, and how can Ghanaians assess her contribution to the government?

What does the constitution say about her role?

The 1992 Constitution establishes the Vice-President as the President’s principal deputy.

The vice president assumes the presidency when the president dies, resigns or is otherwise unable to perform the functions of the office, in accordance with the constitutional provisions.

The vice-president also performs functions assigned by the president and may exercise presidential responsibilities when authorised to do so.

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Unlike a minister who heads a specific ministry, the vice-president does not automatically control a major policy sector simply by occupying the office.

Her effectiveness therefore depends on duties assigned to her by the president, her influence within the government and her ability to contribute to the implementation of national priorities.

She can also use her position to champion issues such as education, empowering women and the youth for sustainable development, social protection, advancing gender equality and meaningful changes in the lives of women and girls.

What does her vice-presidency mean for ordinary Ghanaians?

Many Ghanaians are still grappling with unemployment, high cost of living, healthcare and access to economic opportunities and may want to know how the second-highest office in the country can help address these challenges.

Her office offers an incredible opportunity to contribute to national decision-making, support President Mahama's Reset Agenda, shape national decisions and influence areas of public policy within her mandate.

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