A new nationwide survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) shows that President John Mahama continues to enjoy strong public support, even as many Ghanaians grapple with ongoing socioeconomic challenges.
According to a press statement released on February 11, 2026, 68 percent of respondents said they approve of the way President Mahama is handling his job. In contrast, 22 percent expressed disapproval, while 10 percent said they had no opinion.
The poll, conducted in December 2025, sampled the views of more than 1,000 people across all regions of Ghana. It sought to gauge public opinion on the President’s performance and assess citizens’ concerns about prevailing economic pressures, including rising food prices, the cost of consumer goods, and unemployment.
Despite the relatively high approval rating, the survey findings highlight widespread concern over the rising cost of living. Seven out of ten respondents said they are very concerned about the increasing prices of food and other essential items, underscoring the financial strain many households continue to face.
Unemployment emerged as the most pressing national issue, with 46 percent of respondents identifying joblessness as their primary concern. This makes employment the single most frequently mentioned challenge affecting national well-being.
Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, was cited as the second most significant issue, mentioned by 30 percent of those surveyed. The environmental and economic consequences of the practice remain a major source of public anxiety.
While the majority of respondents believe President Mahama is steering the country in the right direction, the IEA noted that key challenges particularly the cost of living, unemployment, and illegal mining remain unresolved and require urgent attention.
The findings suggest that although public confidence in the President remains strong, sustained and targeted efforts will be necessary to address citizens’ concerns and maintain broad public support in the face of ongoing economic difficulties.
