Mahama Maintains High Approval Rating Amid Shifting Political Strongholds and Governance Challenges

President John Dramani Mahama continues to hold a commanding position in Ghana’s political landscape, with a recent Global InfoAnalytics poll revealing a 67% approval rating. This surge in support is particularly evident in the Ashanti Region, a traditional stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now claims a significant shift in influence. During a 'Thank You Tour,' NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia highlighted that the party’s voter share in the region has climbed toward 35%, securing a record eight parliamentary seats. While 65% of citizens believe the country is moving in the right direction, economic optimism has seen a slight decline, and early polling for the 2028 presidential race shows Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson leading potential successors with 32% support.

Despite this political momentum, the administration faces scrutiny over transparency and youth empowerment. President Mahama recently defended the use of digital systems in security services recruitment to combat favoritism, yet the process has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups. The Rights Accountability Network petitioned the Presidency following reports that approximately 500,000 unemployed youth paid application fees for only 5,000 available slots, leading to calls for a forensic audit and refunds. Further tension has emerged in Parliament, where the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) probe into GH¢4.4 billion in questionable energy ministry liabilities was recently disrupted by a Majority walkout, stalling efforts to address financial infractions highlighted by the Auditor-General.

Local governance and legislative initiatives remain active as various Members of Parliament push for development and representation. In Gomoa Central, MP Kwame Asare Obeng (A-Plus) has prioritized industrialization over parliamentary debate, announcing ambitious plans for Africa’s largest industrial park, a new port, and a Free Zones enclave. Simultaneously, the Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, is spearheading a motion to increase female representation in Parliament from 41 to 60 members. In Dome-Kwabenya, MP Elikplim Akurugu delivered the first 'State of the Constituency Address,' emphasizing infrastructure upgrades and educational support as core pillars of her tenure.

As the nation looks toward the 2028 elections, the call for active citizenship and institutional integrity is intensifying. Civic leaders like Sulemana Braimah of the Media Foundation for West Africa have urged Ghanaians to reclaim democracy by moving beyond partisanship toward social accountability. This sentiment is echoed by students at Tamale Technical University, who are demanding stricter penalties for vote-buying to protect the integrity of the electoral process. While the NPP leadership, including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, works to remobilize youth wings like TESCON, the broader political discourse remains focused on balancing rapid governance with the need for transparent, inclusive development.