Economic performance most powerful source of Mahama’s goodwill — IEA

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has indicated that President John Dramani Mahama’s public approval is largely driven by improvements in the country’s economic performance.

This is contained in a May 2026 nationwide poll conducted by the policy think tank, which sampled over 1,000 respondents across all 16 regions of Ghana.

The findings come at a time when the administration has been highlighting gains in inflation control, currency stability and broader macroeconomic indicators achieved in 16 months.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 10, the IEA noted that 58.9% of respondents approve of the President’s performance, while 28.4% disapprove and 12.8% remain undecided.

The poll also showed a decline in approval from 68% in December 2025 to 58.9% in May 2026, even though support remains relatively strong.

The Institute explained that economic factors remain the dominant reason for both approval and disapproval among respondents.

“Thus, the data confirm that the government’s economic record is its most powerful source of public goodwill,” it stated.

Among those who approve, 73.5% credited economic management as the key reason, followed by road infrastructure at 16%.

However, among disapprovers, 30.9% also cited the economy, while 29.9% pointed to electricity supply challenges.

The report noted that even though macroeconomic indicators have improved, many citizens are yet to feel the impact in their daily living conditions, particularly in terms of jobs and household income.