Here is what many Ghanaians expect from their president

This is according to a research conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

According to the IEA they conducted the research in order to investigate and seek the opinion of the public on their expectations of the new government based on the promises contained in their manifesto and the 2017 budget.

The IEA said they hoped that their findings “will serve as a guide to the new administration in its policy prioritization process for the year 2017 and beyond.”

The research showed that 37.1 percent of the respondents want the Nana Addo-led government to fight crime. 19.5 percent expect the government to ensure peace and security in the country while 19.4 percent want the government to strengthen the judiciary.

Meanwhile 15.8 of the respondents said they expect government to deepen decentralisation and gressroot participation and 8.2 of the sample size needed the NPP administration to reform and strengthen independent key governance.

This result is not surprising especially because of all the security challenges the country has faced since President Nana Addo was sworn into government.

After he was declared winner of the 2016 presidential elections in December, some NPP supporters went round vandalising state properties and some that belonged to members of the opposition NDC.

One of such groups was the Delta Force a pro-NPP group which attacked the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Adjei. They also stormed a court during a trial of some arrested culprits for attacking George Adjei.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) office in Somanya was also vandalised by angry youth of the area.

The recent lunching of Captain Adam Mahama in Denkyira-Obuasi also leaves many feeling insecured.

Speaking during the presentation of the findings, senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Political Science Department, Professor Ransford Gyampoh said in all these criminal situations the culprits must be arrested and dealt with according to law.

Corruption

The research finding showed that about 43 percent of the respondents want government to concentrate on investigating and prosecuting corrupt public officials.

It further indicated that 35.4 percent endorsed the President's decision to appoint an Independent Public Prosecutor to deal with matters of corruption.

Prof Gyampo said he was not surprised Ghanaians were demanding the government fights against corruption.

"I am not surprised that this is topping even though government is upbeat about fighting corruption. The views of the people suggest that they prefer government appoint the Independent Public Prosecutor [immediately]."

Critical Issues government must address

On this most Ghanaians expect the Nana Addo-led administration to help stop the ever increasing cost of utilities.

According to the research findings, 45.5% of the sample size said they will expect the NPP government to halt the rising cost of utilities.

27% of respondents wanted the government to end the frequent power cuts, otherwise known as dumsor, while 14.9% wanted the administration to improve local water supplies.

However, 12.3% want the government to work on ensuring a clean environment.

Economy

On the economy issues, 33.0% of respondents expect the government to create jobs while 23% expect the government to ensure economic stability.

20.1% expect the government to create a friendly business environment, 15.5% and 8.4% want the government to promote agriculture and build infrastructure respectively.