|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has officially returned to Ghana after nearly seven weeks of medical leave abroad, following a sudden illness she suffered in late March.
Heartwarming photos of her reunion with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House have surfaced online, drawing praise and relief from Ghanaians.
The Vice President reportedly fell ill on Friday, March 28, and sought treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). She was advised to take medical rest, and on April 7, commenced a three-week medical leave. However, her absence extended to 49 days, prompting public concern and political commentary.
Initially expected to return by the end of April, the presidency later confirmed that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang had traveled to the United Kingdom for further treatment “as a precautionary measure to ensure a full recovery.”
On May 16, President Mahama announced during his ‘Thank You Tour’ in Dodowa that the Vice President had made a full recovery and would return to active duty soon.
“By God’s grace, she is fully recovered, and she’s going to come and go back to her duties,” he assured.
Her extended absence sparked calls for transparency from opposition figures. Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the New Patriotic Party’s Third National Vice Chairman, urged the government to clarify her health status and the costs associated with her treatment.
“Whether she is dead or alive, the people must be told,” Masawudu stated in a media interview, emphasizing public concern.
Despite her absence, the Vice President continued to demonstrate commitment to national development. During her leave, she pledged four months of her salary to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as the Mahama Cares initiative, aimed at assisting Ghanaians with chronic medical conditions not covered by NHIS.
This generous gesture was revealed by President Mahama during a national address on May 7, marking 120 days into his second term.
“Vice President Naana Jane also pledged four months of her salary to the Mahama Cares Fund,” the President stated.
The Mahama Cares initiative, launched on April 29 at the UGMC, seeks to create a safety net for vulnerable patients across the country.
With her return, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang is expected to resume her official duties in the coming days, with a renewed focus on shaping health, education, and social welfare policies—particularly those affecting women and children.
Her recovery and return have been widely welcomed, symbolizing stability at the highest levels of government as Ghana navigates critical socio-economic challenges.
ALSO READ:
GoldBod Extends Deadline for New Gold Trading Licence Registration to 21 June
Empress Gifty Sues Nana Agradaa for GH₵20 Million Over Defamation Allegations
