President John Mahama's approval rating has fallen to 58.9%, a 9.1 percentage point decrease from 68% in December 2025. The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) released this finding from its latest survey, highlighting a notable shift in public sentiment.
This decline is largely linked to recent power disruptions, known locally as 'dumsor,' and rising global fuel prices. Samuel Manu, Head of Surveys at the IEA, stated 30% of respondents who disapproved of the President cited power outages. He estimated these power challenges reduced approval by 8 to 10 percentage points.
Ghana's economy has faced persistent energy sector challenges, impacting industrial output and household welfare. The intermittent power supply has led to increased operational costs for businesses, potentially slowing economic growth. This recent dip in approval reflects broader citizen frustration over economic hardships and utility service reliability.
Mr. Manu emphasized the survey's timing significantly shaped the results. He stated, “The context matters… the instance at the time the survey was conducted also has some effect on the rating.” This suggests the temporary nature of the power issues might have unduly influenced public opinion during the survey period. Without these energy challenges, the approval ratings might have stayed within the 66% to 68% range observed in late 2025.
This survey result signals the government must promptly address energy supply issues. Decision-makers will closely monitor the stability of the power sector to rebound public confidence. Sustained improvements in electricity provision could help President Mahama regain lost approval points. Economic policymakers must also consider the impact of global fuel price volatility on domestic costs and voter sentiment. Any failure to stabilize power or manage economic pressures could further erode public support.
The President still maintains significant approval despite the current downturn. However, the 9.1 percentage point drop is substantial for any sitting leader. Future surveys will indicate if this decline is a temporary reaction to 'dumsor' or a trend reflecting deeper economic anxieties. The government's actions in the coming months will be critical in shaping public perception and political stability.