Unemployment has emerged as the single most important issue facing Ghana today, with nearly half of respondents identifying joblessness as the country’s biggest challenge, according to a nationwide survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). The opinion poll, conducted in December 2025 and capturing views of over 1,000 Ghanaians across all regions, revealed that concerns about job creation far outweigh other national issues.
The IEA disclosed in a press statement dated February 11, 2026, that 46 percent of respondents identified unemployment as the most pressing national issue, making joblessness the most frequently mentioned concern. Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, ranked second with 30 percent of respondents citing it as the most pressing problem facing the nation. The prominence of galamsey highlights growing public anxiety over environmental damage, water pollution, related health issues, and the long term sustainability of natural resources.
Corruption, which has dominated public discourse in recent years, was mentioned by only 9 percent of respondents as the most important issue. The general economy was cited by 8 percent, while housing and transportation received minimal mentions at 2.6 percent and 1.5 percent respectively. The findings suggest that while macroeconomic conditions and governance concerns remain important to many Ghanaians, they appear secondary to the immediate challenges of finding work and protecting the environment.
The survey also exposed deep concerns among citizens about rising cost of living despite President John Dramani Mahama maintaining a 68 percent job approval rating. Seven in ten respondents reported being very concerned about the price of food and consumer items, while two in ten said they are somewhat concerned. Overall, more than nine in ten Ghanaians expressed at least some level of concern about rising prices, highlighting the economic pressures facing ordinary citizens.
President Mahama assumed office on January 7, 2025, amid high public expectations following a challenging economic period characterised by high debt levels, currency depreciation, inflation and unemployment. The IEA noted that while some key economic indicators appear to be improving, many Ghanaians continue to face significant socioeconomic difficulties. The institute emphasised that how these issues are addressed will likely influence public views on governance and leadership in the future.
The Ghana Statistical Service reported in August 2025 that the unemployment rate declined to 13.6 percent by the end of 2024, down from 14.6 percent in 2023, reflecting a modest one percentage point improvement. However, youth unemployment remains persistently high at 22.5 percent for those aged 15 to 35, underscoring continued pressure on first time jobseekers and graduates despite broader employment gains. Youth accounted for seven out of every ten unemployed persons.
The IEA noted that policy efforts aimed at job creation and the regulation of illegal mining activities are likely to resonate strongly with the public, particularly if they produce visible and measurable results. The survey results indicate that addressing unemployment and environmental degradation from galamsey must remain urgent national priorities for the Mahama administration.
The high approval rating suggests President Mahama has maintained a solid base of public support despite widespread socioeconomic challenges facing the country. However, the IEA concluded that the proportion of respondents who disapprove or remain undecided indicates the need for sustained efforts to address citizens’ concerns and strengthen overall public confidence.
