I’m a democrat, not an autocrat – Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has rejected claims that recent political developments point to an attempt to centralise power and undermine Ghana’s democratic system.
His comments follow the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office on Monday, September 1, 2025. The dismissal, carried out under Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, was based on a recommendation by a committee established under Article 146(6) to investigate a petition brought by citizen Daniel Ofori.
Although the Presidency said the process followed constitutional procedures, the move has triggered criticism, with some suggesting it reflects an authoritarian drift. Others have raised concerns that the governing NDC’s super majority in Parliament could be used to pass constitutional amendments that concentrate executive power, including provisions that might extend the presidential term.
Speaking at his first media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, President Mahama dismissed such fears, describing himself as a committed democrat.
“Look in my face, do I look like a supreme leader? I’m a democrat, true and true. Even when we attained two-thirds of Parliament, I said we’re not going to roughshod over the minority and that we are going to give an opportunity for democracy to flourish,” he said.
He also emphasised that the removal of the Chief Justice was carried out in strict adherence to constitutional requirements.
“Certainly, I’m not on the way to becoming a supreme leader or an autocrat,” President Mahama added.
