Accra, March 12, – A recent nationwide study shows that nearly 69 per cent of Ghanaians are satisfied with how democracy functions in the country.
The study, conducted by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana in partnership with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), assessed public perceptions on governance, political accountability, and democratic values.
Dr Joseph Darmoe, Senior Lecturer at GIMPA and lead researcher, presented the report titled “Stocktaking of Ghana’s Democracy: Public Perceptions on Governance, Political Accountability, Democratic Values, and Political Leadership in Ghana.”
The survey found that 49.8 per cent of respondents were satisfied with democracy, while 18.9 per cent were very satisfied. About 17.8 per cent remained neutral, and 13.4 per cent expressed dissatisfaction.
The findings also showed strong support for democracy as a system of governance: 69 per cent described democracy as “very important”, and 28.2 per cent said it was “somewhat important.”
Dr Darmoe noted that the study was based on a large, nationally representative sample of about 13,000 respondents, far exceeding the minimum required for a 99 per cent confidence interval, to ensure accurate representation at national, regional, and constituency levels.
Data collection employed Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), allowing real-time data validation and minimizing errors. Stratified sampling and daily field supervision ensured representation across gender, age, education, and settlement types, with 51.6 per cent female and 48.4 per cent male respondents.
The study found that dissatisfaction with government performance or economic conditions did not automatically translate into rejection of democracy. Citizens may critique specific policies or officials but still value democratic governance.
Public confidence in key institutions varied, with respondents showing trust in Parliament, the Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, and the media. About 81 per cent believed their votes counted, although 41.8 per cent reported experiencing or witnessing vote-buying.
Civic engagement was high, with over 85 per cent participating occasionally in political or civic activities, and more than 90 per cent describing Ghanaians as at least somewhat tolerant of differing political views.
Ms Anna Lena Sabroso-Wasserfall, Country Representative of KAS Ghana, said the study aimed to provide reliable empirical insight into public perceptions of democracy, noting that regular reflection is key to democratic health.
Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, Rector of GIMPA, highlighted that Ghana’s democracy under the Fourth Republic has made substantial progress over the past three decades but requires continuous nurturing and improvement. He stressed that the findings should motivate policymakers, civil society, and citizens to strengthen institutions and deepen democratic culture.
GHBUSS
12 March 2026
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