A survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has shown that a majority of Ghanaians are satisfied with the country’s current economic direction.
The findings were contained in a press release dated January 21, following notable developments in 2025, including the assumption of office by a new government and marked improvements in the macroeconomic environment, despite persistent socioeconomic challenges.
Against this background, the IEA conducted a nationwide public opinion poll to assess whether citizens believe Ghana is moving in the right direction. The survey was carried out across all 16 regions between December 20 and December 28, 2025.
According to the press release, “Based on responses from 1,022 respondents, the poll reveals that: Most Ghanaians (58%) are happy with the direction of the country.”
It further stated that, “The new government came with new economic and development policies, along with a leadership style which has sparked significant debate about where the country is headed. Therefore, we asked citizens whether they were happy with the way things were going in the country. Most respondents (58%) said they were happy. By contrast, 34% indicated that they were not happy with how things were going, while 8% said they were not sure.”
The IEA noted that the results are unsurprising, given the macroeconomic gains recorded in 2025. The cedi appreciated by about 32% against the U.S. dollar between 2024 and 2025, helping to ease inflationary pressures. This was reflected in lower fuel prices and reduced costs of some imported consumer goods.
Consequently, inflation fell sharply from 23.8% in 2024 to 5.4% in 2025.
Other positive developments that may have shaped public perceptions include a significant drop in the debt-to-GDP ratio from 61.8% at the end of December 2024 to 45% by the end of October 2025, a reduction in the average lending rate from 30.2% to 22.2%, and the gradual recovery from the effects of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
As a result, the report notes that confidence is gradually returning, with many Ghanaians increasingly hopeful for a better future under the new administration.
However, the IEA cautioned that the 34% of respondents who expressed dissatisfaction signals that a sizeable minority remains unhappy with the pace of national progress. This, it said, highlights the fragility of public optimism and the need to address issues that directly affect daily living.
In conclusion, the IEA said the survey shows that most Ghanaians are happy with the direction of the country, attributing this sentiment to the new government’s policies, which have improved economic conditions and restored hope.
The institute added that this renewed optimism presents an opportunity for the government to pursue bold structural reforms to sustain the gains achieved.
