# Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang FGA (née Sam; born 22 November 1951) is a Ghanaian academic and politician who served as Minister for Education from February 2013 to January 2017. She is a professor of literature. She served as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana when she took over as Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Coast. She currently serves as the Chancellor of the Women's University in Africa.

## Quotes

* We must provide opportunities that transcend political patronage 'connection' and the practice of whom-you-know. Equal and fair opportunities based on merit are an imperative for sustainable economic growth. The time for a shift is now.
** Prof.Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang NDC running mate for election 2020.
* “It’s all about putting the group above the individual and understanding that our actions today shape the legacy we leave for tomorrow”

### "5 reasons for $5+ billion: Interview with Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang"

* Governments must continuously demonstrate that education is the fulcrum of all development, the hub around which all spokes - security, health, the economy, climate change, equality, human rights and others revolve.
* I found school to be a fun place, making friends, learning and discovering new things. The most impactful teachers were those who smiled, encouraged, tolerated, and who recognized that some flowers take time to bloom.
* If we base our conviction on the premise that everyone can learn, then we can reach out of school girls too, with different modes of learning. The longer we keep girls out of school, the further the number increases and the more the desire for global peace will elude us all.
* A major pillar is effective public education on the importance of effective education for all, especially for girls and women to ground their central role in the life of the family, society, self.
* I am not an economist but I understand the economy. Naana Opoku-Agyemang to critics

### Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s inaugural speech

* Giving up is not an option. Stay the course. As a people, we have survived many unspeakable atrocities. Read and know your true history. We just celebrated the Year of Return. Read that history, very, very carefully. It has not been a nice cup of sobolo.
* Making history is gratifying; but what really matters is not to be first through the door. What matters is to hold the door open for those behind us and create other avenues for self actualization for many more.
* We are a people who jump over many hurdles. Walking that road is an act of courage. That experience is a forge of character.
* When there appears to be selective justice; when some offenders are not even placed on the hook but are hailed and promoted for being nasty and violent, the logical outcome is what we see.
* To all the little girls and boys across our country, always dream big; remain focused. You can grow to become anything you want to be.
* Believe that only you can stop yourselves. It is not going to be about your parents, rich or poor; not the region you come from and whether it is endowed with resources or not. Remember that natural endowment is what it is; it did not come from the effort of anyone. It is nature that placed those resources there. That is why we call them natural resources.
* The 2024 election is about "reversing the negative trend" set by the current government and emphasized the need for accountability, prosperity, and job creation.