A new survey by Global InfoAnalytics has found that 70% of Ghanaians believe the country is heading in the right direction, up from 62% in April. The shift is largely attributed to the stabilization of the cedi, falling petroleum prices, and a decrease in the cost of some goods. These economic developments are described as “driving people’s perception about where the country is headed.”
Government approval ratings have also improved. While those rating government performance as “excellent” declined slightly from 21% to 18%, those describing it as “very good” or “good” increased from 55% to 61%. Negative ratings dropped accordingly, with Global InfoAnalytics CEO, Mr Musah Dankwah, noting the government’s “popularity is not receding.”
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President John Mahama’s approval rating rose from 66% in April to 73% in June. Musah Dankwah linked this increase directly to national sentiment, stating: “Once they feel that the country is heading in the right direction, then the driver tends to get the credit.” Every region registered majority approval for the president, including NPP strongholds like Ashanti (46%) and Eastern (68%). The Northeast region recorded the highest approval at 87%.
Despite the positive outlook, concerns persist. On anti-corruption efforts, one commentator expressed scepticism about the Attorney General’s media-focused strategy, saying: “I’ve not seen reality… the strategy will be for them to use the media to prosecute people.” On utilities, the same commentator questioned optimism: “In the last two quarters we’ve seen electricity prices go up first by over 14% and then… over 2%.” Galamsey (illegal mining) is said to have “gotten worse,” and the government’s handling of dumsor (power outages) was questioned, with a survey score of 5.8 out of 10. Job creation remains a weak point, with President Mahama’s score in that area the lowest, between 5.6 and 5.8 out of 10. The newly launched 24-hour economy policy has yet to yield results. Previous training programmes, such as those for coders, were also seen as limited in scale.
The survey reveals important demographic insights. The sample was 58% male and 42% female. Nearly 80% of respondents were under 44 years old, indicating a young electorate. Only 11% had no formal education, suggesting increasing political awareness. Commentators described this group as politically fluid: “They are not tribal… they have no allegiance but only to their interest.”
Christians made up 65% of the sample (typically 70–71%), and Muslims 23% (normally around 21%). Political strategists are urged to understand denominational and sectarian differences, as “they are not the same block.”
Ethnic distribution reflected national trends, with Akans forming the largest group (46%), followed by Ewes (12%) and Ga (11%). While ethnicity remains significant, party affiliation is seen as more fluid. Musah Dankwah noted that the NPP’s affiliation numbers have declined since the last election. A majority of those who decline to state their party preference are believed to support the NDC, depending on where they are interviewed.
The NPP primaries show Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia leading among party supporters with 70%, followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 17%. Among NDC voters, 50% preferred Dr Bawumia as the NPP flagbearer, with Ken Agyapong at 26%. Floating voters also leaned toward Dr Bawumia (46%), with Kennedy Agyapong at 28%. Among all voters, Dr Bawumia’s support rose from 48% in April to 56% in June. Of those who voted for him in 2020, 74% still back him. Among previously undecided voters, Dr Bawumia leads at 36% against Ken Agyapong’s 31%. His popularity spans all age groups, including 57% among 18–24-year-olds.
NPP commentators argued that Dr Bawumia remains a viable candidate because “once he’s come before, if you repeat him, you will do better.” He was described as “the most visible Vice President ever,” credited with introducing a “culture” of public economic engagement. They also note that Dr Bawumia did not control the economy directly due to constitutional limits, so he cannot be held solely responsible for its performance.
For the NDC, while John Mahama is not expected to contest again, other names like Julius Debrah and Haruna Iddrisu are being considered.
Mr Musa Dankwah of Global InfoAnalytics emphasised the scientific rigour of their methodology, asserting that the results “can be replicated.” Responding to suggestions that positive sentiment may reflect a “honeymoon period,” they insisted on the value of tracking changes over time: “We are measuring the honeymoon; when it falls, we’ll be here to tell you that it’s falling.”
The NPP Communicators have, however, cautioned, “It’s still early though… but the signs are on the walls that… tougher times are ahead.”
