A new survey reveals that 78% of Ghanaians expect improved living standards by 2026 under the leadership of newly elected President John Dramani Mahama, reflecting high public optimism for economic recovery and social progress.
The latest Global InfoAnalytics national poll also reveals a dramatic reversal in public sentiment, with 70% of Ghanaians now believing the country is on the right track.
This marks a historic transformation from just months ago, when the majority of Ghanaians expressed deep pessimism about the nation’s future.
The shift follows a prolonged period of declining public confidence.
70% of Ghanaians believe the country is on the right track | Image via Global InfoAnalytics report
In October 2022, 77% of Ghanaians believed the country was heading in the wrong direction, a figure that remained high at 71% in January 2023 and 65% as recently as April 2024, just before the election.
Mahama’s leadership drives surge in optimism
The positive shift in national sentiment is backed by a public approval of President John Dramani Mahama’s first month in office.
A survey, also conducted by Global InfoAnalytics during the period, earned him an 84% approval rating.
The President’s cabinet appointments have also resonated strongly with the public, garnering a 90% satisfaction rate, with 68% of Ghanaians being either “very satisfied” or “extremely satisfied”.
Mahama’s return to power in January 2025 was a landmark moment in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, making him the first president to reclaim office after being voted out.
His victory, securing 56.3% of the vote against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s 41.3%, ended the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) two-term rule under former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Ghanaians expect living standards to improve despite current challenges
The renewed public confidence comes despite significant economic challenges, including a debt default and currency devaluation that necessitated a $3 billion IMF bailout.
However, 78% of Ghanaians now expect their living standards to improve in the next 12 months—a sharp contrast to early 2024, when the majority reported worsening conditions.
78% of Ghanaians now expect their living standards to improve in the next 12 months | Image via Global InfoAnalytics report
In previous surveys, dissatisfaction was highest in the Volta, Greater Accra, and Western regions, where disapproval ratings had reached as high as 86%.
The current broad-based optimism suggests Mahama has successfully united the country behind his vision for economic recovery.
Beyond economic expectations, the poll also found strong support for Mahama’s governance reforms, particularly his pledge to establish an anti-corruption office to scrutinize government procurement above $5 million.
