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President Mahama's approval rating drops to 58.9% but majority support remains, IEA survey finds
via GhanaWeb3 min read
A new survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs IEA indicates that President John Mahama's job approval rating has decreased to 58.9% in May 2026, down from 68% in December 2025. Despite this decline, the President retains the support of a majority of Ghanaians. The nationwide poll, conducted across all 16 regions with over 1,000 respondents, showed that 28.4% disapproved of his performance, while 12.8% expressed no opinion. The IEA noted that the President still maintains a significant lead in approval over disapproval ratings. Economic performance was cited by 73.5% of approving respondents as the main reason for their support, with 16% pointing to road infrastructure development. Key economic indicators have improved, including a decline in inflation from 23.5% in January 2025 to about 3.4% in April 2026, and a 26% appreciation of the cedi. However, economic concerns were also prominent among those dissatisfied, with 30.9% citing the economy as their main concern, suggesting a disconnect between national economic improvements and daily household experiences. Electricity supply was the second most common concern at 29.9%, followed by corruption at 19.1% among dissatisfied respondents. The IEA concluded that while support for President Mahama is strong, Ghanaians expect economic gains to translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Solomon Owusu, Communications Director of the United Party and Pan-African activist, has urged United States authorities to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana to address allegations of financial misconduct. Owusu also insisted that former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre MASLOC, Madam Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu, should serve her 10-year prison sentence in Ghana without political interference. Speaking on TV3’s New Day Show, Owusu stated that Tamakloe's conviction and sentencing demonstrate that public officials can be held accountable for misusing state funds, regardless of political affiliation. He argued that the law must take its course and that the United States should not be a haven for African officials accused of corruption. Owusu claimed that while the MASLOC case involved significant funds, allegations surrounding financial transactions under the previous administration involved much larger sums, warranting equal attention. He cited public debates on the National Cathedral project, the ambulance procurement controversy, and alleged tax revenue discrepancies. Owusu emphasized that corruption is an individual responsibility, not a political party issue, and that funds lost to corruption could have been invested in critical sectors like energy, education, and job creation. He added that Tamakloe's imprisonment has undermined attempts to politicize her case ahead of the 2028 general election. Owusu called on anti-cor
The National Association of Institutional Suppliers NAIS plans to picket the Ministry of Education on Thursday, June 11, 2026, despite recent assurances from government officials regarding outstanding payments. NAIS is demanding the payment of nearly GH¢50 million owed for school uniforms, house dresses, and other clothing supplied to public senior high schools under the Free Senior High School Free SHS program. The decision to proceed with the demonstration follows a meeting with the Free SHS Secretariat on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, which concluded without a clear payment timeline. NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor stated that members have heard similar assurances before but remain unpaid, with some suppliers reporting business disruptions and financial hardship due to the prolonged delays. The association hopes the picket will highlight their challenges and pressure authorities to release the funds.
Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Member of Parliament for Techiman South, stated that squatters and criminal elements are obstructing flood mitigation projects under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development GARID Programme. The former Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development indicated that encroachers have occupied sites designated for flood control interventions in Accra, preventing contractors and agencies from accessing these areas. Speaking after a meeting between Parliament’s Works and Housing Committee, Ministry officials, and the World Bank, Korsah highlighted that these access issues are a significant barrier to the project's advancement. He noted that some individuals occupying the sites are described as criminals with weapons, who have confronted workers. Korsah emphasized that the GARID programme, supported by the World Bank, has secured funding, and delays are not due to financial limitations. He questioned the inability of state authorities to clear these encroached sites to allow critical flood control works to proceed, especially given the recurring floods affecting communities. The GARID programme aims to enhance flood risk management and resilience in flood-prone areas of the Greater Accra Region.