On March 6, as Ghana marked 68 years of independence from British colonial rule, the York University Ghanaian community gathered to celebrate not just the nation’s hard-won freedom but also a groundbreaking moment in its history—the election of Her Excellency Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana's first female vice-president.
The event, titled Still We Rise: Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future of Inclusive Democracy, was a powerful testament to resilience, progress and the unwavering fight for equality. It drew esteemed faculty, students, staff and community members, alongside distinguished guests, including the dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LA&PS) and the Associate Dean of Global Community Engagement.
In his welcome address, Professor Joseph Mensah took the audience on a journey through Ghana’s long and arduous road to independence, tracing key historical moments from the Berlin Conference of 1884 to the time of independence in 1957. While acknowledging the progress made, he reminded attendees that the struggle continues—particularly in dismantling barriers to women’s full participation in leadership.
Associate Professor Sylvia Bawa, lead organizer of the event, delivered a heartfelt message on the critical roles of accountability, allyship, and intentional policymaking in advancing true democracy. She praised Opoku-Agyemang’s commitment to keeping doors open for women in high political offices, a pledge that signals a new era of representation and justice.
J.J. McMurtry, dean of LA&PS, spoke on behalf of York’s President, Rhona Lenton, expressing deep admiration for Opoku-Agyemang’s trailblazing journey. He highlighted York’s immense pride in its distinguished alumna, a woman who has shattered ceilings and paved pathways for others. MJ Maciel Jorge, associate dean of Global & Community Engagement, shared a personal reflection on meeting the vice-president, describing her as not only a leader but a beacon of hope for young women. As a literary scholar, Jorge emphasized the power of storytelling in shaping a future where women’s leadership is no longer an exception but the norm.
In a moving tribute, Vivien Bediako, geography PhD candidate, introduced Opoku-Agyemang by highlighting her unparalleled contributions to education and leadership. From being the first female vice- chancellor of the University of Cape Coast to serving as Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa, her list of accomplishments is a testament to her unwavering dedication to progress. A Life Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning, a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a holder of multiple honorary doctorates, she has consistently used her platform to champion education and social equity. Her influence extends to global institutions, including UNESCO and the World Learning Inc. Global Advisory Council.
In a heartfelt recorded message to the York community, Opoku-Agyemang reflected on her journey as a York student to history-maker. She urged the audience to not only celebrate achievements but to channel them into meaningful action toward building an equitable society. "A society that is content with leaving too many people at the margins is a society that has failed its people," she cautioned, calling on all to use our communities and networks to uplift one another.
Powerful solidarity messages from Professor Obiora Okafor, Edward B. Burling, Chair in International Law and Institutions at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies; Professor Omosalewa Olawoye, director of the Harriet Tubman Institute reinforced Ghana’s role as a leader in African democracy. Their words echoed a shared hope for a continent where justice and inclusion define governance. The event was further enriched by soul-stirring artistic performances and a round-table discussion. York University undergraduate student Michelle Addo-Nyarko moved the audience with her evocative poems—Malcolm X Speech Rewrite and We Rise—both of which embodied the spirit of resistance and triumph.
As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of unity and purpose. The celebration was more than a tribute to Ghana’s independence—it was a resounding call to action. Inspired by the legacy and leadership of Opoku-Agyemang, the York Ghanaian community reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a future where barriers are dismantled, voices are amplified, and democracy truly belongs to all.
Special thanks to everyone who helped organize and sponsor the event, including
Associate Professor Sylvia Bawa, Vivien Bediako (PhD candidate, geography), Valerie Lawson (MA candidate, development studies), Professor Jeffrey Squire, Professor Joseph Mensah, Assistant Professor Godfred Boateng, Associate Professor Solomon-Boakye-Yiadom, as well as the Resource Centre for Public Sociology and The Tubman Institute, York University.
Events like these demonstrate our Faculty’s dedication to the University’s Academic Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly in the areas of eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities.