A new nationwide study by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has identified unemployment as the most urgent challenge confronting Ghana, with close to half of citizens pointing to the lack of jobs as the country’s primary concern.

The public opinion survey, carried out in December 2025, gathered responses from more than 1,000 participants across all regions. Results show that employment issues dominate public priorities, significantly outpacing other national problems.

Illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey, followed closely behind, with three out of every ten respondents ranking it as the second most serious issue. The findings reflect increasing public unease over environmental degradation, water contamination, and the future management of Ghana’s natural resources.

In its report, the IEA noted that a combined 76 per cent of respondents ranked unemployment and illegal mining as the top two challenges currently facing the nation.

Other concerns received comparatively lower attention. Corruption was cited by fewer than one in ten respondents, while general economic conditions attracted slightly less support. Housing and transportation issues ranked at the bottom of the list, drawing minimal concern from those surveyed.

The results indicate that while broader economic and governance matters remain relevant, many Ghanaians are more focused on immediate livelihood issues and environmental protection.

According to the IEA, government initiatives that prioritise job creation and the control of illegal mining activities are likely to gain strong public backing, particularly if they lead to clear and tangible outcomes.

The survey was conducted a year after President John Dramani Mahama took office in January 2025. Despite the weight of public concern around employment and environmental issues, the poll shows that the President continues to enjoy significant public confidence, with more than two-thirds of respondents expressing approval of his performance in office.

The IEA added that how effectively these challenges are managed could play a key role in shaping public perceptions of leadership and governance in the years ahead.