A recent survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has highlighted unemployment as the most urgent challenge facing the administration of President John Mahama.
The findings show that respondents placed economic and governance issues at the top of national concerns, with joblessness and illegal mining (galamsey) dominating the list.
“Nearly half of respondents (46%) identify unemployment as the most pressing national issue, making joblessness the most frequently mentioned concern. This highlights the central role of employment in public perceptions of national well-being,” the report stated.
Illegal mining followed as the second most pressing issue, cited by 30 percent of respondents. “The prominence of galamsey highlights widespread concern over environmental damage, water pollution and related health issues, and the long-term sustainability of natural resources,” the survey noted.
Beyond these, the rising cost of living emerged as another major worry. Despite a high approval rating for President Mahama’s leadership (68%), many Ghanaians expressed unease about everyday expenses.
“Seven in ten respondents (71%) report being very concerned about the price of food and consumer items, while two in ten respondents (20%) say they are somewhat concerned. Overall, more than nine in ten Ghanaians (91%) expressed at least some level of concern about rising prices,” the survey revealed.
The report emphasized that although the majority believe the president is steering the country in the right direction, unresolved issues around basic necessities demand urgent attention.
Public perception of President Mahama’s performance, however, remains largely favorable. “When asked whether they approve or disapprove of the way President Mahama is handling his job, 68% of respondents say they approve. About 22% say they disapprove, while 10% report having no opinion,” the survey indicated.
According to the IEA, the approval rating reflects a strong base of support for the president, even amid widespread socioeconomic concerns. “The gap between approval and disapproval—over forty percentage points—indicates that positive assessments of the president’s performance extend well beyond his critics. However, the presence of a notable minority (22%) who disapprove, along with those who hold no opinion, suggests that support is not universal and that further efforts are needed to engage and win over more Ghanaians,” the report concluded.
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