A new report by policy think tank IMANI suggests that many Ghanaians are losing patience over jobs, governance, and the handling of corruption.
When Mahama returned to power in January, expectations were high. He promised discipline in government spending, reforms to fight corruption, and efforts to grow new sectors of the economy.
His early actions—such as reducing costs for Independence Day celebrations and limiting official travel—were welcomed by many as signs of a serious start.
However, IMANI’s latest “Pulse Report,” which studied thousands of online discussions across the country, shows that optimism has quickly faded.
According to the analysis, frustrations are mainly centered on three areas: unemployment, fiscal credibility, and fairness in justice.
Instead of creating new job opportunities, the administration is accused of overseeing widespread dismissals in the public sector. This has left civil servants unsettled and young graduates even more anxious about their future.
On financial discipline, initial praise has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the president’s alleged use of a private jet.
Critics say this has damaged the image of prudence the government tried to project.
The third major concern is justice. IMANI notes that corruption cases appear to be handled unevenly, with some political actors facing harsh punishment while others seem to escape scrutiny.
This, according to the think tank, is feeding a perception of “selective justice.”
The report adds that even good policies, such as tax cuts, efforts to stabilise the cedi, and reforms in the mining sector, are being drowned out by the scandals dominating public discussion.
By mid-year, social media conversations were filled with controversies ranging from issues with the U.S. Embassy to problems in the National Service Scheme.
“Public confidence in the NDC government is being tested, and credibility remains the key to restoring trust,” the report warned.
IMANI advised the president to act boldly by ensuring fair prosecution processes, showing equal treatment for all politicians, and giving priority to youth employment.
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