President John Dramani Mahama continues to enjoy strong public backing one year after returning to office, despite persistent economic pressures confronting many households across the country.
This is according to a nationwide opinion poll conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), with findings released in a press statement dated February 11, 2026.
The survey shows that 68 percent of respondents approve of the way President Mahama is handling his job, while 22 percent disapprove and 10 percent say they have no opinion.
President Mahama was sworn into office on January 7, 2025, as Ghana grappled with significant economic and governance challenges. Before his election, the country faced high public debt levels, a rapidly depreciating currency, rising inflation, high unemployment, and concerns about the size and cost of government.
One year on, the IEA observes that while significant socioeconomic difficulties persist, several key economic indicators appear to be trending positively.
To better understand public sentiment after the 2024 general elections, the IEA surveyed in December 2025, sampling the views of over 1,000 respondents across all regions of Ghana.
The findings paint a picture of cautious optimism among Ghanaians. While a clear majority express approval of President Mahama’s performance, many citizens remain deeply concerned about their daily economic realities.
According to the survey, public support for the President remains high, with more than two-thirds of respondents endorsing his handling of the office. This strong approval rating suggests that a significant portion of the population believes the country is moving in the right direction under his leadership.
However, the poll also reveals widespread anxiety about the cost of living. An overwhelming 71 percent of respondents indicated strong concern over the rising prices of food and other consumer goods. This highlights the continuing strain on household budgets, even as macroeconomic indicators show signs of improvement.
Unemployment remains another pressing issue. Nearly half of respondents identified joblessness as the most important problem facing the country today, underscoring the urgency many Ghanaians attach to job creation and economic opportunity. In addition, illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, was cited by a significant proportion of respondents as a top national concern, reflecting ongoing environmental and governance challenges.
According to the statement, the IEA noted that public perception of President Mahama’s job performance is “broadly positive,” emphasising that the gap of more than forty percentage points between approval and disapproval indicates a solid base of support.
At the same time, the Institute pointed out that the presence of a notable minority who disapprove, along with those who hold no opinion, suggests that public confidence is not universal and that continued efforts will be required to address economic hardships and strengthen public trust.
