Ghana becomes 17th African nation to elect a female Vice President
Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s emergence as Vice president under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections has been hailed as a milestone in advancing gender representation in Ghana.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s political rise.
Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is a renowned Ghanaian academic and politician.
As Minister for Education (2013-2017) under President John Mahama, she oversaw significant educational improvements.
In 2020, she made history as the first woman nominated for vice-president by a major political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), symbolizing a commitment to gender equality.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s rise to prominence in the challenging sphere of African politics underscores the remarkable resilience and capability of women to navigate and excel within complex political landscapes.
Her success highlights the growing recognition of women’s leadership and their capacity to drive impactful change in governance and society.
African women in politics
The place of women in African politics has evolved significantly over the past few decades, with notable progress in terms of representation and influence.
However, challenges remain in ensuring that women achieve equality in participation and impact.
According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) Africa’s women’s representation in parliament stands at 24%.
Low female political representation is often attributed to a lack of political will, restrictive electoral systems, and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms.
However, numerous legal frameworks, instruments, and policies in Africa advocate for equal and effective participation of women in politics.
The plan to advance women’s participation in politics aligns closely with the Maputo Protocol (2003), formally known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.
African women have shattered barriers in governance, as evidenced by those who have risen to prominent leadership positions across the continent.
Many have even ascended to the highest office, serving as Presidents in countries like Liberia and Tanzania.
The list below shows the African women who have made their mark in the highest level of governance as Vice president.
| S/N | Country | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uganda | Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe | 1994 – 2003 |
| 2 | The Gambia | Isatou Njie-Saidy | 1997 – 2017 |
| The Gambia | Fatoumata Tambajang | 2017 – 2018 | |
| The Gambia | Isatou Touray | 2019 – 2022 | |
| 3 | Zimbabwe | Joice Mujuru | 2004 – 2014 |
| 4 | Burundi | Alice Nzomukunda | 2005 – 2006 |
| Burundi | Marina Barampama | 2006 – 2007 | |
| 5 | South Africa | Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka | 2005 – 2008 |
| 6 | Malawi | Joyce Banda | 2009 – 2012 |
| 7 | Mauritius | Monique Ohsan Bellepeau | 2012 – 2012 |
| 8 | Zambia | Inonge Wina | 2015 – 2021 |
| Zambia | Mutale Nalumango | 2021 – | |
| 9 | Tanzania | Samia Suluhu Hassan | 2015 – 2021 |
| 10 | Liberia | Jewel Taylor | 2018 – 2024 |
| 11 | South Sudan | Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior | 2020 – |
| 12 | Benin | Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima | 2021 – |
| 13 | Angola | Esperança Maria Eduardo Francisco da Costa | 2022 – |
| 14 | Uganda | Jessica Rose Epel Alupo | 2021 – |
| 15 | Gabon | Rose Christiane Raponda | Jan – August 2023 |
| 16 | Namibia | Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah | 2024 – |
| 17 | Ghana | Professor Opoku-Agyemang | 2024 – |
Dr. Speciosa Naigaga Wandira Kazibwe, a trailblazing Ugandan politician, surgeon, and women’s rights advocate made history as the first female Vice President in Africa.
She served as Uganda’s sixth Vice President from 1994 to 2003 under President Yoweri Museveni.
To date, a total of 16 African countries have elected 21 female Vice Presidents.
Among these, The Gambia leads with three female Vice Presidents, while Burundi and Zambia have each produced two.
The remaining countries have each elected one female Vice President.
Editors’ Note: The preceding version of this article inadvertently excluded some countries from the list of African nations that have elected a female vice president.
The article has been revised to reflect the correct list
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