I couldn’t have wished for a better Veep – Mahama applauds Naana Jane

President John Dramani Mahama has praised Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, describing her as a dependable partner whose quiet strength has been central to his first year in office.

The President reserved his strongest commendation for the Vice President during a Thanksgiving service held at the Jubilee House to mark one year since he assumed office.

“I reserve my special thanks for Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, a woman of dignity and quiet strength,” President Mahama said. “The first woman to rise to this position of responsibility. I could not have wished for a better assistant to help me bear the heavy load Ghanaians have entrusted to me.”

He added a personal note of appreciation, saying, “Naana Jane, God richly bless you,” drawing applause from the congregation.

The Thanksgiving service, held under the theme “Resetting. Rebuilding. Renewing.”, was designed as a moment of gratitude for national stability over the past year, while also underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and national renewal as it enters its second year.

The ceremony brought together religious leaders, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests.

President Mahama’s tribute highlighted the working relationship he shares with the Vice President, which is cordial and respectful, marked by mutual trust and consultation at the highest level of government.

Professor Opoku-Agyeman made history when she became Mahama’s running mate ahead of the 2020 general election, breaking new ground as the first woman nominated on a major party’s presidential ticket.

Despite the National Democratic Congress losing that election to the New Patriotic Party’s Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Mahama retained her as his deputy for the 2024 election.

Before entering frontline politics, she served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and later held the position of Minister for Education during Mahama’s previous administration between 2013 and 2017, where she oversaw key reforms in the education sector.

Her time in high office has not been without challenges. In March last year, the Vice President took ill, prompting an extended medical leave in the United Kingdom, from which she later returned to resume official duties.