The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed widespread public dissatisfaction with the country’s political system in a new report, with more than 70% of Ghanaians saying they have little or no influence over national decision-making.
The findings are detailed in the first edition of the Governance Series Report – Wave 1, which was officially launched on Wednesday, May 28. The report captures the views and lived experiences of citizens on governance, public sector responsiveness, and corruption in Ghana.
The results paint a concerning picture of civic disengagement and institutional mistrust. The data suggests a significant disconnect between government structures and the people they are supposed to serve.
One of the key revelations from the report is the persistence of bribery in the public sector. Nearly 1 in 6 citizens (18.4%) who engaged with public officials in 2024 admitted to offering gifts—mostly cash—as a way to access basic services. This points to the continued entrenchment of corruption in public service delivery.
According to the GSS, the survey was designed with the core principles of good governance in mind—inclusiveness, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness.
The report’s foreword emphasizes that a healthy democracy relies on the active participation of its citizens, their ability to freely express dissent, and the assurance that their voices are heard without fear of retaliation.
“Effective citizen participation contributes to stronger, more legitimate policies, enhances institutional accountability, and fosters social equity,” the report noted.
“When people feel excluded, trust in institutions erodes, legitimacy is compromised, and the likelihood of civil unrest increases.”
The Governance Series is a panel survey initiative aimed at providing regular, data-driven insights into how Ghanaians perceive governance. The first wave of data collection occurred in January 2025 and focused on events and interactions from January to December 2024.
The GSS intends to conduct follow-up surveys every six months to assess progress and track changes over time.
By collecting and analyzing empirical data, the GSS hopes to help policymakers pinpoint areas for reform, monitor improvements, and promote a public sector that is transparent, inclusive, and free from corruption.
“These findings offer valuable insights into the functioning of our governance system. They highlight both areas of strength and those in need of urgent reform,” the GSS stated.
“Ultimately, this report is a call to action—not only for government and institutions, but for every Ghanaian—to contribute to building stronger democratic foundations.”
Major Key Findings of Governance Series Wave 1 May 2025
1) A little more than half (56%) respondents access public services
2) over 70% of Ghanaians believe that the current political systemwe operate in Ghana offers little or no space for them to influence decision-making in governance;
3) Nearly 1 in 6 citizens interviewed (i.e. 18.4% of respondents) who interacted with public officials in 2024 gave a gift as a form of bribery, mostly in the form of money, to access services;
4) Money (85%) is the main mode of paying bribes
5) 9% of respondents refused to pay bribes.
6) About 14% of respondents reported bribery to anti-corruption agencies
7) Bribery was more common among males (68.3%) than females (31.7%), and urban residents (64.3%) than rural dwellers (35.7%);
8) Approximately 1 in 5 individuals (21.1%) living with disabilities reported giving gifts as bribery, with significantly higher rates among those with physical impairments (*40.1%) and visual impairments (32.5%); and
9) At the regional level, Greater Accra (22.0%) and Ashanti (18.1%) , all together 40.1% recorded the highest incidences of gift-giving, while “Savannah (1.0%) and North East (1.1%) reported the lowest.