Elections 2004 (Results) - Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Ghana Office

The 2004 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
• Uphold and defend Ghana’s Fourth Republican Constitution.
• Be committed to the maintenance of peaceful and stable political, economic and social conditions in Ghana.
• Co-operate in transforming and sustaning the country as a beacon of hope and inspiration in our sub-region
and the continent as a whole.
• Unite in their common commitment to growth and development of multiparty system of governance in the
country.
• Aspire to build a lasting democracy for present and future generations of Ghana.
It was observed during the campaign period however that despite this undertaking, there was widespread inter and
intra party rancour and ill feeling that went to sour up the political enviroment and create a general feeling of anxiety
among the general public.
ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Despite the politically charged atmostphere, nominated Presidential and parliamentary candidates were able to campaign
freely.
Campaigning was highlighted by a Presidential Debate organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) at the
International Conference centre in Accra. It must be mentioned that the NPP failed to take advantage of this arrangement.
As part of the campaign strategy some of the political parties put up bill-boards; mounted public address systems
on their campaign vans for use in making street annoucements, displayed party flags on tall trees and (electric)
poles and sold party paraphernalia all in an effort at popularizing their candidates. The parties also undertook
Radio and Television broadcasts in order to send their messages across to the electorates.
The prominent themes in the campaign messages of the political parties which contested to win the mandate of the
electorate in the 2004 elections were free education, healthcare, employment and security.
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