A nationwide public opinion survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) shows that a majority of Ghanaians are satisfied with the direction the country is taking under the current administration.

The findings, released on January 21, indicate that 58 percent of respondents believe Ghana is moving in the right direction, while 34 percent expressed dissatisfaction. The remaining 8 percent said they were undecided.

The poll was conducted against the backdrop of major political and economic developments in 2025, including the assumption of office by a new government and a marked improvement in macroeconomic conditions, despite lingering social and economic challenges.

According to the IEA, the survey sampled 1,022 respondents across all 16 regions of the country between December 20 and December 28, 2025. Participants were asked whether they were pleased with how national affairs were progressing.

The institute noted that the relatively high level of public approval reflects recent economic gains. Over the past year, the cedi strengthened significantly against the U.S. dollar, gaining about 32 percent between 2024 and 2025. This currency appreciation, combined with broader economic stabilisation, helped reduce inflationary pressures, contributing to lower fuel prices and easing the cost of some imported goods.

As a result, inflation fell sharply from 23.8 percent in 2024 to 5.4 percent in 2025.

Additional factors that may have shaped public sentiment include a notable reduction in Ghana’s debt burden, with the debt-to-GDP ratio falling from 61.8 percent at the end of 2024 to 45 percent by October 2025. Borrowing costs also declined during the period, as average lending rates dropped from 30.2 percent to 22.2 percent. The IEA further pointed to a gradual easing of the negative effects of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme on households.

Taken together, these developments appear to have restored a measure of confidence among citizens and strengthened expectations of improved economic prospects under the new government.

However, the institute cautioned that the sizeable proportion of respondents who remain unhappy signals underlying concerns about everyday living conditions. The IEA said this underscores the need for policies that directly address issues affecting households, even as macroeconomic indicators improve.

Overall, the survey suggests that public confidence in the country’s trajectory has improved, largely driven by recent economic recovery and policy changes. The IEA said the prevailing optimism offers the government an opportunity to implement deeper structural reforms to consolidate and sustain the gains achieved so far.