Jane Naana can assume the high office of President – Haruna

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has clarified remarks he made about Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang becoming President, saying his words were misinterpreted.

During the Vice President’s visit to the Education Ministry, the Tamale South lawmaker prayed for her good health and long life, adding, “I pray God grants you long life and good health so that you may one day be elevated to become the first female President.”

The comment sparked varied reactions among political analysts, with some suggesting it signaled his intent to partner with Prof. Opoku-Agyemang as a running mate in the 2028 elections.

Others described it as a strategic move to ease tensions within the NDC, particularly after National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia’s “Thank You tour,” which some interpreted as a subtle campaign to position himself as a successor to President Mahama.

Speaking at the Ghana Teacher Prize 2025 ceremony in Ho on Sunday, Haruna Iddrisu said he was not surprised by the interpretations but stressed his remarks were in line with constitutional realities.

“Many of you gave my last comment about the Vice President your own interpretation. Yes, I wanted an interpretation. The Vice President is, irrebuttably, a presumption that she can assume the high office of President,” he explained.

He added that his statement was not intended to fuel speculation about succession within the NDC but rather to affirm the constitutional role of a Vice President as a potential future President.

The clarification comes at a time when discussions around who could succeed Mahama have intensified, with some party figures already showing interest in the leadership contest despite the administration being less than a year old.

Last month, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang visited the Ministry of Education, where Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu outlined ambitious reforms to improve foundational learning.

During the meeting, Mr. Iddrisu expressed hope in the vice-president rising to the nation’s highest office.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who previously served as Minister of Education, made history after the 2024 general election as Ghana’s first female Vice President, a milestone celebrated by many Ghanaians.

Mr. Iddrisu further revealed that Ghana’s education curriculum from Kindergarten to Primary Six was under review, with a focus on modernizing content and preparing pupils for the future.

The minister stressed that the ministry shared the vice president’s belief in the importance of strong foundations for academic success.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s return to the ministry she once led was marked by cordial exchanges with officials.

Her visit comes as the government intensifies reforms to align Ghana’s schools with global standards particularly in the area of Tertiary, Vocational and Educational Training.