A new survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), has revealed that 78% of Ghanaians believe the country is headed in the right direction despite some socio-economic challenges.
A statement issued by the economic think tank yesterday said the survey was conducted in the 16 regions of the country between December 20 and 28, 2025 with 1,022 respondents.
It stated that the survey was aimed at gauging public opinion on the direction of the country given significant changes including improved macroeconomic conditions recorded in 2025.
The report stated that most respondents representing 58% said they were ‘happy with the way things were going’, while 34% indicated that they were ‘not happy with how things were going,’ and 8% said they were ‘not sure’.
It said public confidence is gradually returning as many Ghanaians are increasingly hopeful for a better future under the new government.
According to the policy think tank, the findings reflect public reaction to the new government’s economic and development policies, as well as its leadership style, which have generated considerable debate about the country’s future.
The IEA noted that the generally positive outlook is not surprising considering the macroeconomic gains recorded over the period; appreciation of the cedi by about 32% against the US dollar in 2025.
“The strengthening of the cedi, broader macroeconomic improvements, have helped ease inflationary pressures, which is reflected in the decrease in the price of fuel at the pump and in the cost of some imported consumer goods,” it stated.
The policy think tank stated that other developments that may have influenced people’s perception of the direction of the country include, the significant decline in the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio from 61.8% at the end of December 2024 to 45% by the end of October 2025.
Others also include reduction in the average lending rate (cost of borrowing) from 30.2% to 22.2% over the same period as well as the gradual recovery from the effects of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) on citizens.
“The survey suggests that most Ghanaians are satisfied with the country’s direction, largely due to recent economic improvements and policy measures introduced by the new government… this renewed optimism presents a valuable opportunity for the government to pursue bold structural reforms to consolidate and sustain the gains achieved so far,” parts of the statement read.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah