As Ghana gears up for a critical election, citizens are weighing in on key government programs. The Afrobarometer report reveals overwhelming support for initiatives like Free Senior High School (85%), Planting for Food and Jobs (81%), One District One Factory (71%), and One Village One Dam (60%). However, the electronic transactions levy (E-levy) faces significant opposition, with 79% of respondents calling for its discontinuation.
The report highlighted key areas of concern for Ghanaians include unemployment, infrastructure and road development, and healthcare. Unemployment tops the list, with 41% of respondents identifying job creation as the most pressing issue. Infrastructure and road development follow closely at 38%, while healthcare ranks third, with 33% considering access to quality healthcare a primary need.
These priorities highlight the public’s focus on tangible improvements in job creation, connectivity, and essential services. Alarmingly, the report indicates that 82% of Ghanaians reported experiencing poverty in the past year, with 45% facing moderate to high levels of economic distress – a stark increase from 19% in 2017. This underscores the growing economic challenges faced by Ghanaians.
The report’s findings emphasize the need for sustainable domestic revenue collection, tighter expenditure controls, and structural reforms to boost economic growth and resilience.
