Ghana Ranked 19th Happiest Country in Africa Below Nigeria, Somalia, Chad, Benin and Others
Ghana has been ranked 125th happiest country in the world and 19th in Africa, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. This marks another disappointing drop for the country, which continues its downward trend in global happiness rankings.
Ghana’s Declining Happiness Score
With a World Happiness Index score of 4.340, Ghana ranked below 18 other African nations, including conflict-ridden countries like Somalia and Chad, as well as neighboring countries Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso.
This ranking is a sharp decline from 2024, when Ghana was placed 120th globally. The country’s peak was in 2021, when it ranked 91st worldwide with a happiness score of 5.148.
Why Has Ghana Dropped in the Happiness Rankings?
Ghana’s decline can be linked to severe economic hardship. The previous NPP government faced major corruption scandals, unchecked election spending, and an economic crash in December 2022, when inflation hit a record 54%. This led to an unbearable cost of living crisis, from which the country has struggled to recover.
The 2024 elections saw a major shift in power, as Ghanaians voted overwhelmingly for change. However, the nation’s happiness levels continue to decline due to economic instability, unemployment, and a lower standard of living.
Ghana Ranked Lower Than Expected
Many Ghanaians may be shocked by how low Ghana ranks compared to other African nations. Below is a list of the top 20 happiest African countries in 2025, with Ghana ranked 19th on the continent.
2025 World Happiness Rankings in Africa
- South Africa — 95th globally
- Mozambique – 96th globally
- Gabon – 97th globally
- Côte d’Ivoire – 98th globally
- Congo – 100th globally
- Namibia – 103rd globally
- Cameroon – 104th globally
- Nigeria – 105th globally
- Senegal – 107th globally
- Mauritania – 114th globally
- Kenya – 115th globally
- Uganda – 116th globally
- Gambia – 117th globally
- Chad – 119th globally
- Burkina Faso – 120th globally
- Benin – 121st globally
- Somalia – 122nd globally
- Mali – 123rd globally
- Ghana – 125th globally
- Togo – 126th globally
What’s Next for Ghana?
With its continued decline in happiness, Ghanaians are calling for stronger economic policies, job creation, and better governance to improve their standard of living. If the trend continues, Ghana may fall even lower in the next World Happiness Report rankings.
