Ghana is approaching a critical election year, with citizens expressing strong opinions about government initiatives.

According to a recent report from Afrobarometer, a significant majority of Ghanaians advocate for the continuation of several key programs.

Specifically, 85% support the Free Senior High School initiative, 81% favor the Planting for Food and Jobs program, 71% back One District One Factory, and 60% endorse One Village One Dam.

Conversely, 79% of respondents oppose the electronic transactions levy (E-levy) and call for its elimination.Economic Priorities

When asked about the most urgent issues for the government, unemployment topped the list, with 41% citing it as the primary concern. Close behind were infrastructure and road development at 38%, followed by healthcare at 33%.

These findings underscore a public demand for tangible improvements in job creation, connectivity, and essential services.Increasing Economic Hardships

The report also highlights the growing economic challenges faced by Ghanaians. Over the past year, 82% reported experiencing some level of poverty, with 45% facing moderate to high levels.

This marks a sharp rise from 19% in 2017. Additionally, 70% of respondents went without cash income at least once, and many reported shortages of essential services: 54% struggled to access medical care, 44% encountered water shortages, 44% faced food scarcity, and 42% had difficulty securing cooking fuel.

Dissatisfaction with the government's direction is prevalent, with fewer than 45% of Ghanaians expecting economic conditions to improve in the coming year. Public evaluations of the government’s economic performance have sharply declined, reflecting frustration over rising living costs and inadequate access to essential services.

As the nation heads into an election season, these survey results indicate that Ghanaians are seeking continuity in successful social programs while demanding a reevaluation of economic policies to better address unemployment, infrastructure deficiencies, and healthcare accessibility.

The increasing demand for sustainable policies, coupled with mounting economic concerns, is likely to shape political debates and influence voter choices in the 2024 elections.