President John Dramani Mahama’s approval rating remains above 50% despite a decline from late 2025, with many Ghanaians crediting improvements in key economic indicators for their continued support, according to a new nationwide poll by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).
The survey, conducted in May 2026 and covering more than 1,000 respondents across all 16 regions, found that 58.9% of Ghanaians approve of the President’s performance, while 28.4% disapprove and 12.8% have no opinion.
The findings come against the backdrop of significant macroeconomic improvements recorded since the administration took office in January 2025. The IEA noted that inflation declined from 23.5% to about 3.4% between January 2025 and April 2026, while the cedi appreciated by 26% against major currencies. During the same period, the Bank of Ghana’s policy rate fell from 27% to 14%, average commercial lending rates declined from around 32% to approximately 20%, and the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio dropped from 61.8% at the end of 2024 to 45.3% by the end of 2025.
The think tank also highlighted recognition from international credit rating agencies, with Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) upgrading Ghana’s sovereign credit rating, citing an improved fiscal outlook.
Among respondents who approve of the President’s performance, 73.5% identified the economy as the primary reason for their support, underscoring public recognition of efforts aimed at stabilising prices, strengthening the local currency and restoring investor confidence.
Road infrastructure emerged as the second most cited reason for approval at 16%, while energy and electricity accounted for 2.7%.
The IEA said the government’s economic record remains its strongest source of public support, with many respondents associating recent macroeconomic gains with the administration’s stewardship.
Among those who disapprove of the President’s performance, 30.9% cited the economy as their main concern, reflecting perceptions that improvements such as lower inflation and a stronger cedi have not yet translated into a lower cost of living, more employment opportunities or higher household incomes.
Electricity supply was the second most cited reason for disapproval at 29.9%, following temporary power supply challenges experienced in May 2026 that affected homes and businesses in parts of the country.
Corruption accounted for 19.1% of the reasons given by respondents who disapprove of the President’s performance, indicating continued public expectations for stronger action in that area.
Despite the decline in approval from 67.8% recorded in December 2025, the IEA said the results point to a population that remains broadly supportive of the administration while becoming expectant that macroeconomic progress will be reflected more visibly in everyday living conditions.
The institute emphasized that the economy and road infrastructure continue to drive positive public sentiment, while concerns over living standards, electricity supply and corruption remain key challenges facing the government as it enters the second half of its current term.
