As Ghana prepares for a crucial election year, citizens are expressing overwhelming support for the continuation of specific government programs, and are also urging for the discontinuation of others.
A recent report by Afrobarometer shows that most Ghanaians are in favor of continuing certain government initiatives. 85% support the Free Senior High School program, while 81% back the Planting for Food and Jobs program. Additionally, 71% support One District One Factory, and 60% support the One Village One Dam policy.
On the contrary, public opinion towards the electronic transactions levy (E-levy) is highly critical, as 79% of respondents are in favor of its abolition.
The economic concerns and priorities facing the next government are significant. The focus must be on addressing issues such as income inequality, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. It is essential for the government to implement policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens and ensure that the economy is working for everyone. In order to achieve long-term economic stability and prosperity, the next government must prioritize investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. By addressing these key economic concerns and priorities, the next government can help create a more equitable and prosperous society for all.
According to a recent survey, Ghanaians specified unemployment as the most critical issue for the government to tackle. A whopping 41% of respondents indicated that it was the most pressing problem.
Infrastructure and road development were closely followed by healthcare, which ranked third as a primary need with 33% of respondents indicating it.
The public’s attention is drawn to concrete enhancements in employment opportunities, connectivity, and necessary services.
Economic difficulties are on the rise.
Ghanaians are facing increasing economic challenges, as highlighted in the report. Within the last year, a concerning 82% of individuals have reported experiencing poverty, with 45% indicating they have encountered moderate to severe levels of poverty.
In contrast, in 2017, only 19% of individuals reported experiencing such economic distress.
Over the past year, 70% of respondents said they had gone without a cash income at least once. Additionally, a significant number experienced shortages in key services, with 54% having difficulty accessing medical care, 44% facing challenges with water availability, 44% encountering food shortages, and 42% struggling to obtain cooking fuel.
Optimism is fading, and many are expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
Less than half of Ghanaians, only 45%, are optimistic about the future economic conditions of the country, while a majority are dissatisfied with its current direction.
The government’s economic performance ratings have drastically dropped due to public discontent with the economy and policies that some believe have not effectively tackled the issue of increasing living costs and access to critical services.
As the nation approaches an election season, the survey results indicate that Ghanaians are seeking a combination of continuation of successful social programs and a change in economic strategies to effectively tackle increasing unemployment, infrastructure deficiencies, and the availability of high-quality healthcare services.
The public’s increasing economic concerns and the rising demand for sustainable policies are expected to have a significant impact on political debates and voter choices in the upcoming 2024 elections.
