Ghanaian government flagship policies, including the 24-hour economy and the proposed Women's Development Bank, have received low public satisfaction ratings. A recent survey by Global InfoAnalytics indicates that the 24-hour economy scored 4.2 out of 10, while the Women's Development Bank received 4.6 out of 10.
Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, attributes these low ratings primarily to the slow pace of implementation and a perceived lack of job creation. Public dissatisfaction stems more from the practical rollout of these initiatives than from fundamental opposition to the policies themselves. Many Ghanaians have yet to see tangible evidence of these programs taking shape.
This public sentiment reflects a broader challenge for the government in delivering on its economic promises. Ghana's economic landscape is heavily influenced by job creation and the visible impact of government spending. The slow progress on these key initiatives could undermine public trust and affect future electoral outcomes, especially as the nation grapples with economic pressures and the need for sustainable growth.
Mr. Dankwah highlighted the Women's Development Bank as an example, stating that despite GHS 410 million being set aside as seed capital, the public has not seen any operational branches. He expressed confidence that public perception could improve significantly once the bank begins operations and its branches become visible across the country.
The 24-hour economy faces an even greater implementation challenge, according to Mr. Dankwah. He noted that the policy has evolved significantly from its initial presentation during the election campaign. This shift has created confusion among voters who struggle to connect the current strategy with the original promise. The government must clearly explain its current implementation strategy to regain public confidence.
Ultimately, employment remains the most critical measure for public judgment of these policies. Mr. Dankwah asserted that if these initiatives succeed in creating a significant number of jobs, public opinion will likely improve. This will happen regardless of how the programs are structured. The current low ratings for the 24-hour economy are directly linked to the perceived lack of job opportunities it has generated.
The government's ability to accelerate the rollout of these programs and demonstrate concrete job creation will be crucial. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch for signs of tangible progress. This will include the opening of Women's Bank branches and a clearer articulation of the 24-hour economy's implementation strategy. Public perception and economic confidence depend heavily on these visible outcomes.