Ghanaian governmental referendum, 1978

The referendum was held in Ghana in 1978 at the instigation of the then military ruler Ignatius Kutu Acheampong in Ghana.

Acheampong took the vote in this referendum, if the population in favor of a unity government ( Union Government). This government should be composed of civilians, but not up to western democracies. The question submitted in the referendum was: Do you approve whether or not some form of Union Government would become the basis of Ghana 's political system, (Eng. Vote for or against the establishment of a unity government as the basis of the political system in Ghana? )? . The at that time existing under Acheampong military junta was the only alternative to the Union Government of the referendum for the voters.

A total of 4,497,803 voters were registered, with a voter turnout of just over 50%, voted 2,282,813 voters about the referendum. The referendum was conducted on 30 March 1978, and adopted by a majority of about 60%.

Already since 1976 had the idea of ​​introducing a Union Government in the internal politics of Ghana important. In January 1977, there were massive student demonstrations against planned new political system. The referendum in 1978 was attacked by massive forces of opposition. The opposition accused Acheampong, here not to hold free and fair elections. Acheampong should have responded with about 300 arrests of opposition figures. It was after the referendum substantial allegations of vote-rigging against the military leadership. Already on 5 July 1978, following the referendum Acheampong was overthrown in a palace coup.