71% of Ghanaians worried about rising food prices, despite 68% approval for Mahama – IEA survey

Seven out of ten Ghanaians are deeply concerned about rising food prices and the escalating cost of living, according to a new survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

The findings reveal persistent economic anxiety across the country, even as President John Dramani Mahama maintains strong public approval ratings.

In a press release dated February 11, 2026, the IEA disclosed that 71 per cent of respondents said they are “very concerned” about the prices of food and other consumer goods. The poll, conducted in December 2025, sampled more than 1,000 respondents across all regions of Ghana.

Unemployment and illegal mining also ranked high among national concerns, with 46 per cent identifying unemployment as a pressing issue and 30 per cent citing illegal mining.

“The survey was designed to assess public opinion on prevailing socioeconomic pressures one year after the 2024 general election, as well as to evaluate perceptions of the President’s job performance,” the IEA stated.

The think tank noted that although some macroeconomic indicators appear to be improving, many households continue to face significant financial strain.

Despite these concerns, the survey found that 68 per cent of respondents approve of the way President Mahama is handling his job, while 22 per cent disapprove and 10 per cent have no opinion.

The figures suggest a complex national mood, where confidence in leadership coexists with frustration over everyday economic challenges.

President Mahama, who assumed office on January 7, 2025, inherited an economy grappling with high debt levels, inflation, currency depreciation and unemployment.

The IEA concluded that the survey reflects “a mixed national mood” — strong approval of the President’s performance, coupled with sustained concern about rising living costs and household economic pressures.

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