Ghana’s new governance report confirms that national progress in political inclusion has not closed long-standing regional gaps, with the North East, Upper East and Northern regions still recording the highest levels of exclusion.
The findings, released by the Ghana Statistical Service during the launch of the Governance Series Wave 2 Report, show strong national improvements in how citizens perceive their influence in decision-making. Citizens who feel the political system allows them to have a say rose from 54.8 percent to 68.4 percent, while those who feel completely excluded dropped from 42.4 percent to 29.2 percent.
But the gains vary widely across the country. Presenting the data, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu said, “Across regions, exclusion remains highest in North East, Upper East, and Northern regions. But even there, the numbers show progress.”
The disparities reflect deeper structural challenges that continue to shape governance experiences in northern Ghana. Lower access to public services, limited participation channels and broader socio-economic constraints have contributed to higher exclusion over time, according to analysts familiar with the data.
The report also highlights significant improvements for groups that have traditionally faced barriers. For youth, exclusion fell from 56.1 percent to 36.3 percent, while older adults recorded a decline from 46.5 percent to 33.2 percent. Persons with difficulty performing activities saw exclusion drop from 47.4 percent to 27.2 percent.
Dr. Iddrisu said the findings should inform targeted government action, noting that the Governance Series is intended to provide evidence on “where progress is happening and where reforms must target.” He stressed that the data shows governance is not abstract, but a lived experience that affects trust and fairness in society.
The Statistical Service is however urging policymakers, civil society and development partners to use the data to direct reforms toward regions where exclusion remains highest. The report forms part of Ghana’s broader monitoring of SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice and strong institutions.
