Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has openly endorsed Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for Ghana’s highest office, expressing confidence that she has the vision and leadership qualities to break the glass ceiling and make history as the nation’s first female President.
The Education Minister made the remarks during the Vice President’s working visit to the Ministry of Education in Accra, where she met with officials and heads of agencies under the ministry as part of her nationwide engagements with key state institutions.
Haruna Iddrisu, who himself is seen as a strong contender in the opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) future presidential primaries, set aside political rivalry to shower glowing admiration on Prof. Opoku-Agyemang.
“It is my personal wish that you are elevated to become the first female President of our country,” he declared, pledging his “unwavering support” should she formally announce her presidential ambition.
Vice President’s Rising Popularity
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has in recent months been tipped as a strong favourite among grassroots members of the NDC and a potential national frontrunner. A Global InfoAnalytics survey conducted in April 2025 ranked her first in voter preference with 26%.
She was followed by Haruna Iddrisu himself at 19%, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson with 12%, and NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who tied with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa at 10% each.
Polls Without Naana Jane Put Haruna Ahead
Interestingly, fresh data from another opinion poll, conducted without the Vice President’s inclusion, saw Haruna Iddrisu emerge as the leading candidate with 27% support. He was trailed closely by Johnson Asiedu Nketia at 26%, while Dr. Ato Forson secured 22%. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa followed with 11% and 8% respectively.
Unity and Strategic Endorsement
Political analysts say Haruna Iddrisu’s endorsement of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscores his recognition of her broad appeal across the NDC and the nation at large. Others view it as a strategic move to project party unity ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely competitive leadership race.
The Vice President, for her part, used her visit to reiterate government’s commitment to advancing education reforms, improving access to quality learning, and addressing systemic challenges in the sector.
Significance for the NDC
With the 2028 general elections gradually approaching, endorsements and early alignments within the NDC could play a decisive role in shaping the party’s flagbearer contest. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s rising popularity, combined with Haruna Iddrisu’s influential backing, is expected to spark new conversations about the possibility of Ghana electing its first female President.
