A countrywide public opinion survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) indicates that President John Dramani Mahama continues to receive notable backing from citizens one year after returning to office, with 68% of Ghanaians expressing satisfaction with his performance.

The poll, conducted in December 2025 and involving more than 1,000 respondents from every region in the country, found that 22% of participants were dissatisfied with the President’s performance, while 10% said they had no view.

In a press statement issued on February 11, 2026, the IEA explained that the approval rating points to sustained public confidence in President Mahama’s leadership, even as the country grapples with several economic and social difficulties.

"Public support for President John Mahama is high, with a 68% job approval rating," the report stated.

The findings also revealed strong public anxiety over the escalating cost of living. About 71% of respondents said they are highly worried about the prices of food and other essential goods, while 20% indicated moderate concern.

In total, 91% of those surveyed acknowledged some degree of worry about increasing prices, underscoring the financial strain many households continue to experience.

The survey ranked unemployment as the country’s most urgent challenge, with 46% of respondents identifying it as their primary concern. Illegal mining, widely referred to as galamsey, followed with 30%, signalling persistent public unease about environmental destruction and contamination of water bodies.

Meanwhile, corruption and the overall economic situation were cited by 9% and 8% of respondents, respectively, as the nation’s most critical issues.

President Mahama was sworn into office on January 7, 2025, at a time when citizens held strong expectations after the country endured economic difficulties marked by heavy debt, a weakening currency, rising inflation, and job losses.

The IEA observed that although several major economic indicators are showing signs of improvement, the country still faces considerable social and economic hurdles.

The institute added that while many Ghanaians remain optimistic about President Mahama’s leadership, they are also mindful of the urgent economic and structural challenges that demand attention.

Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has applauded government's performance to date.

In a Facebook post on Monday, May 5, she wrote "so far, so great" expressing her optimism over the positive developments under President Mahama's administration.

Reflecting on the government’s initial progress, Mogtari pointed to the President's 57% popular vote and the ongoing approval ratings as strong indicators of the administration's success.

"I have been closely following the approval ratings of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, and like many Ghanaians, I am confident that we are on the right track," she wrote, highlighting the tangible progress made during the first 120 days of Mahama's second term.

Central to her post was an announcement about the forthcoming launch of a new Code of Conduct and Ethics.

“Today, President Mahama takes a bold step forward. He will formally launch the Code of Conduct and Ethics, which is a framework that will be binding on all public office holders, government officials, politically exposed persons, and their close associates,” Mogtari said.

She emphasized that the framework, which applies to all public office holders, government officials, politically exposed persons, and their close associates, is specifically designed to eliminate conflicts of interest and strengthen accountability in governance.

She also explained that one of the central provisions of the new policy is a ban on political appointees and their associates acquiring state assets.

“At the heart of this policy is a ban on political appointees and their close associates from acquiring state assets,” she emphasized.

According to Mogtari, the launch of the Code of Conduct sends a clear and powerful message, reinforcing the government's zero-tolerance stance on conflicts of interest.

President John Dramani Mahama, in a national address marking the completion of his government's first 120 days, reaffirmed his commitment to the pledges made under his 120-day contract with Ghanaians.

He assured citizens that his administration is taking urgent and sincere steps to deliver meaningful reforms.He emphasized the seriousness with which he approaches his promises: “I take my promises seriously. My word is my bond!”

He highlighted a range of bold measures already underway, describing them as essential building blocks for a national transformation agenda he calls “Resetting Ghana.”

“From forming a lean government and establishing a robust code of conduct to taking decisive steps to scrap burdensome taxes, initiating inquiries into past wrongdoings, launching major job creation programmes, tackling illegal mining, reviving our environment, promoting our tourism and export sectors, streamlining scholarships, supporting vulnerable populations, and holding our security agencies accountable – the foundation for ‘Resetting Ghana’ and ‘Building the Ghana we want together’ is being laid with speed and determination,” he said.

Mahama made it clear that these interventions are not for show or political gain, but signal a real departure from business as usual in governance.

“These actions are not merely checkboxes on a list; they signify a fundamental shift in how government operates – with transparency, accountability, efficiency, and a profound sense of urgency for the well-being of every Ghanaian,” he stated.