Afrobarometer Survey: Unemployment tops list of concerns for Ghanaians

Jemima Okang Addae Business News Mar - 14 - 2025 , 12:01

A recent Afrobarometer survey has revealed that 41 per cent of Ghanaians consider unemployment the most pressing issue for President Mahama’s administration to address. This is followed by concerns over infrastructure and roads (38 per cent) and health (33 per cent).

The survey, conducted in partnership with the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, provided insights into public priorities, attitudes towards governance, economic conditions, and social policies.

The findings indicate strong public support for key government initiatives aimed at social and economic development. Programmes such as the Free Senior High School (Free SHS), Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ), One District, One Factory, and One Village, One Dam received significant public backing.

However, the survey also revealed that more than three-quarters of Ghanaians prefer that the electronic transactions levy (e-levy) be discontinued, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the tax policy.

Economic hardship and public discontent

The survey painted a bleak picture of economic hardship in Ghana, with many citizens struggling to meet basic needs. Seventy per cent of respondents reported that they or a household member went without cash income at least once in the past year.

Additionally, 54 per cent faced difficulties accessing medical care, while 44 per cent struggled with water shortages and food insecurity. Cooking fuel shortages were reported by 42 per cent of those surveyed.

Public opinion on the previous administration’s economic management was overwhelmingly negative. According to the survey, fewer than two in ten Ghanaians rated the government positively in key areas such as:

"Fewer than two in 10 Ghanaians rate the government positively on managing the economy (19%), creating jobs (18%), improving living standards of the poor (17%), narrowing gaps between rich and poor (11%), and keeping prices stable (8%)," a portion of the statement said.

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