By Grace Zigah
A new survey conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) reveals that rising food prices and the escalating cost of living remain top concerns for Ghanaians, even as President John Dramani Mahama continues to enjoy strong public approval.
According to the poll, released on February 11, 2026, 71 percent of respondents indicated that they are very worried about the price of food and essential consumables.
The nationwide survey, conducted in December 2025, sampled over 1,000 Ghanaians from all regions, capturing a cross-section of public sentiment on key socioeconomic issues one year after the December 2024 general election.
Beyond food prices, the survey highlighted unemployment and illegal mining as pressing national concerns, with 46 percent of respondents citing unemployment and 30 percent identifying illegal mining as major challenges affecting the country.
Despite these economic anxieties, the survey found that President Mahama retains significant public support.
Approximately 68 percent of respondents approved of his performance in office, while 22 percent disapproved and 10 percent expressed no opinion.
President Mahama, who assumed office on January 7, 2025, inherited a complex economic landscape marked by high national debt, persistent inflation, a depreciating cedi, unemployment, and public concern over the size and efficiency of government.
The IEA noted that although some macroeconomic indicators have shown modest improvement under Mahama’s administration, the cost-of-living pressures for ordinary Ghanaians remain substantial.
Rising food prices, in particular, have exacerbated household economic stress, prompting widespread concern about everyday affordability.
Analysts say the survey reflects a nuanced national mood: while citizens continue to express confidence in the President’s leadership, their concerns over food security, employment, and illegal mining underscore the ongoing challenges that remain on the socioeconomic front.
The findings also suggest that addressing household economic pressures will be critical to sustaining public trust and social stability in the coming years.
The survey provides a snapshot of Ghana’s economic climate one year into President Mahama’s second term, revealing the complex balance between public optimism in leadership and persistent financial strain on citizens.
