Accra, Feb. 16, – A new nationwide survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) indicates that President John Dramani Mahama continues to enjoy broad public approval one year after returning to office, even as Ghanaians demand urgent solutions to unemployment and illegal mining.
The poll, conducted in December 2025 across all regions with a sample of more than 1,000 respondents, found that 68 per cent approve of the President’s performance. About 22 per cent expressed disapproval, while 10 per cent said they had no opinion.
Despite the favourable rating, concerns about economic hardship remain widespread. A significant 71 per cent of respondents said they were “very concerned” about the rising cost of food and consumer goods, with an additional 20 per cent indicating they were “somewhat concerned.” Altogether, 91 per cent reported at least some level of anxiety about the cost of living.
Unemployment emerged as the most pressing national issue, cited by 46 per cent of those surveyed. Illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, followed at 30 per cent. Corruption and the general state of the economy trailed behind, mentioned by nine and eight per cent respectively.
The findings reflect what the IEA described as a mixed public sentiment – confidence in the President’s leadership combined with frustration over persistent socioeconomic challenges.
“Although the President retains strong public backing, the data show that unemployment and high prices remain critical concerns,” the survey noted. “Citizens expect practical and visible improvements in their daily lives.”
President Mahama, who was sworn into office on January 7, 2025, assumed leadership at a time of significant economic strain marked by high public debt, inflation, currency depreciation and rising unemployment. While some macroeconomic indicators have reportedly improved over the past year, many households continue to struggle with elevated food prices and limited job opportunities.
The prominence of illegal mining in the survey results also signals growing public anxiety over environmental degradation, polluted water bodies and the long-term sustainability of the country’s natural resources.
According to the IEA, sustaining public approval will likely depend on the government’s ability to generate employment, ease the cost-of-living burden and intensify efforts to curb galamsey.
As one respondent captured the mood: “We believe in the President’s direction, but we need more jobs and lower prices. That is what will matter most.”
GHBUSS
16 Feb. 2026
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