Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is facing criticism from some Ghanaians over her perceived silence on recent sexual abuse allegations involving female students, with critics calling on her to speak out in defence of women and girls.
The criticism has gained traction on social media amid heightened public concern over reports of sexual misconduct involving schoolgirls, including allegations against the interdicted headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai.
Some commentators argue that the Vice President, as Ghana’s first female to occupy the position, has a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership on issues affecting the safety, dignity and welfare of women and girls.
They believe her public voice could help reinforce calls for accountability, strengthen advocacy for survivors and draw attention to the need for effective measures to prevent sexual abuse in educational institutions.
The concerns have also sparked debate about the expectations placed on women in senior political positions, particularly when cases involving the rights and protection of girls dominate national discussions.
Social media scrutiny intensifies
Critics have pointed to the Vice President’s recent social media activity as part of their concerns about her public engagement with the issues.
Her last post, dated October 19, concerned her participation in the 2026 Global South Academic Forum in Shanghai, China.
Some social media users have questioned why she has not publicly addressed the sexual abuse allegations, arguing that the protection of vulnerable students requires visible support from leaders at the highest levels of government.
Others say her position offers an important platform to encourage institutional reforms and ensure that complaints of sexual misconduct receive the necessary attention from the relevant authorities.
However, the criticism reflects the views of those calling for a public statement and does not, on its own, establish the Vice President’s position on the matter or the extent of her involvement in efforts to address it.
Expectations of Ghana’s first female Vice President
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s historic position as Ghana’s first female Vice President has become a central part of the debate, with critics arguing that her leadership should be visible on issues that disproportionately affect women and girls.
For those demanding a response, the issue extends beyond political communication to questions about representation, advocacy and the responsibility of public officials to respond to matters of significant national concern.
They contend that speaking out against sexual abuse and supporting measures to protect students would reinforce public confidence in efforts to safeguard the rights of women and girls.
The debate has also renewed broader questions about the role of political leaders in responding to allegations of abuse, particularly when investigations are ongoing and the welfare of alleged victims remains a concern.
As public discussion continues, calls for the Vice President to address the issue reflect growing expectations that leaders will use their positions to support the protection of vulnerable groups and promote accountability.
No public response from the Vice President on the specific allegations was included in the material informing this report.
