Northern Ghana Still Most Excluded Despite National Gains — New Governance Report

Ghana has recorded notable progress in political inclusion nationwide, but long-standing regional inequalities persist, with the North East, Upper East and Northern Regions still reporting the highest levels of exclusion, according to the latest governance data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The findings, captured in the Governance Series Wave 2 Report and launched in Accra, indicate a significant rise in citizens’ confidence in their ability to influence decision-making processes. The proportion of Ghanaians who believe they have a say in the political system increased from 54.8 per cent to 68.4 per cent, while those who feel entirely excluded fell sharply from 42.4 per cent to 29.2 per cent.

Despite these national gains, the improvements are uneven. Presenting the report, Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, noted that “Across regions, exclusion remains highest in North East, Upper East, and Northern regions. But even there, the numbers show progress.”

Analysts say the persistent gaps reflect deeper structural and socio-economic constraints that have historically shaped governance experiences in the northern part of the country. Limited access to public services, fewer avenues for participation and long-standing developmental disparities continue to influence how citizens engage with political processes.

The report also points to marked improvements among groups that have typically faced barriers to participation. Youth exclusion declined from 56.1 per cent to 36.3 per cent, while older adults saw a drop from 46.5 per cent to 33.2 per cent. Persons with difficulty performing daily activities also recorded a significant reduction in exclusion, falling from 47.4 per cent to 27.2 per cent.

Dr Iddrisu stressed that the data should shape targeted policy action, explaining that the Governance Series was designed to highlight “where progress is happening and where reforms must target.” He added that the findings demonstrate that governance is not an abstract concept but a lived experience that influences public trust and perceptions of fairness.

The GSS is urging government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to use the evidence to direct reforms towards the regions and groups where exclusion remains most pronounced. The findings contribute to Ghana’s monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice and strong institutions.