President John Mahama's approval rating dropped by 9.1 percentage points to 58.9% in May 2026.
This decline comes from a 68% approval recorded in December 2025, according to a nationwide survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). The IEA conducted this poll across all 16 regions of Ghana, surveying over 1,000 respondents. This indicates a shift in public sentiment despite continued majority support for the President.
This dip occurs amid Ghana's broader economic narrative of perceived macroeconomic stability and infrastructure development. The President's continued support largely stems from his performance in managing the economy. Notable macroeconomic improvements, such as inflation dropping sharply from 23.5% to around 3.4% and the Cedi appreciating by 26% against major currencies since January 2025, bolster this sentiment. The Bank of Ghana also cut its policy rate from 27% to 14%, and the debt-to-GDP ratio significantly improved, reflecting a more stable economic environment.
The IEA stated, "Most Ghanaians continue to back President Mahama, with a 58.9% approval rating in May 2026." The IEA further explained, "Among those who approve, the economy and road infrastructure are the leading reasons, reflecting public recognition of the administration’s achievements in stabilising the economy and embarking on a big push agenda." International rating agencies like Fitch, Moody's, and S&P recently upgraded Ghana's economy, contributing to public confidence.
Going forward, decision-makers will closely watch how macroeconomic gains translate into improved living standards for ordinary Ghanaians. The public's expectations for tangible benefits in their daily lives will be critical. The government must also address persistent concerns regarding electricity supply and corruption to solidify public trust. This balance between broad support and rising expectations will shape Ghana's political and economic landscape in the coming months.
The survey highlighted areas of public concern, with 30.9% of respondents still pointing to the economy. This suggests that the observed macroeconomic improvements have not yet fully reached many households. Electricity supply issues were cited by 29.9% of those who disapprove, largely due to temporary power outages in May. Corruption also remains a significant concern, mentioned by 19.1% of disapprovers. This indicates that the government’s anti-corruption efforts have not entirely convinced a substantial portion of the public.
The IEA concluded that the general mood is supportive but marked by increasing expectations. Ghanaians expect to feel the progress recorded at the macro level directly in their daily lives, including job creation and reduced cost of living. Failure to meet these expectations could further erode approval ratings, especially as the next election cycle approaches.