A new survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) shows that unemployment is the number one issue Ghanaians want President John Mahama’s administration to fix.
According to the report, 46% of respondents said joblessness is the biggest problem in the country right now. That’s nearly half the population pointing to one thing: people need jobs. It clearly shows that for many Ghanaians, having stable employment equals security, stability, and peace of mind.
Coming in second is illegal mining, aka galamsey, which 30% of respondents flagged as a major concern. People are worried about the environmental damage, polluted water bodies, health risks, and what all of this means for Ghana’s future. In short, the vibes are not good when it comes to protecting natural resources.
Then there’s the cost-of-living crisis, and these hits home for almost everyone. A huge 71% said they’re very concerned about the rising prices of food and everyday items, while another 20% are somewhat concerned. That means 9 out of 10 Ghanaians (91%) are stressed about how expensive things are getting. Even though many believe the country is heading in the right direction, the pressure on necessities is still very real.
On the leadership front, though, President Mahama is getting solid reviews. The survey shows 68% approve of the job he’s doing, while 22% disapprove, and 10% don’t have an opinion. That’s a pretty strong approval gap, suggesting he has a solid support base. Still, not everyone is convinced, and with unemployment and high prices dominating everyday conversations, there’s definitely work to be done.
People are backing the President, but they also want action, especially when it comes to jobs, galamsey, and making life more affordable.
