Ghana’s Fourth Republic, which began in 1993 under the 1992 Constitution, has seen several vice presidents contribute to the nation’s governance. These leaders, as the second-in-command, have played pivotal roles in shaping Ghana’s development.
Table of Contents
List all the Vice President in the Fourth Republic in Ghana
Below is the updated list of vice presidents who have served in the Fourth Republic, including the historic appointment of Ghana’s first female vice president, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
1. Kow Nkensen Arkaah (1993–1997)
Kow Nkensen Arkaah served as the first Vice President of Ghana in the Fourth Republic under President Rawlings. His tenure was marked by political tensions with Rawlings, though his service laid the foundation for Ghana’s modern democratic governance.
2. John Evans Atta Mills (1997–2001)
John Evans Atta Mills succeeded Arkaah as Vice President during Rawlings’ second term. His academic prowess and commitment to public service later led to his election as President in 2009.
3. Aliu Mahama (2001–2009)
Aliu Mahama was Ghana’s first Muslim Vice President, serving under President John Agyekum Kufuor. He championed issues of discipline, national unity, and infrastructural development during his tenure.
4. John Dramani Mahama (2009–2012)
John Dramani Mahama served as Vice President under Atta Mills. Following Mills’ untimely death in 2012, Mahama assumed the presidency and was later elected to serve a full term.
5. Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur (2012–2017)
Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, an economist and former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, served as Vice President under Mahama, contributing his expertise in economic policy and governance.
6. Mahamudu Bawumia (2017–2024)
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, an economist and advocate for digital transformation, served as Vice President under Nana Akufo-Addo. He is renowned for leading Ghana’s digitalization agenda, particularly in the financial sector.
7. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang (2025–Present)
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang made history on January 7, 2025, as Ghana’s first female Vice President. She was sworn in during a ceremony at Independence Square in Accra, administered by Chief Justice Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo. A respected academic and former Minister of Education, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang served as the running mate to President John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 general elections. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s political history.
Conclusion
The Vice Presidents of Ghana’s Fourth Republic have each left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape. From fostering unity to implementing economic reforms and advancing women’s representation in leadership, their contributions have been instrumental in shaping Ghana’s democracy and development. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s historic appointment further signifies progress in the nation’s journey toward gender inclusivity in governance.
