President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed suggestions that his recent removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, combined with his party’s super majority in Parliament, is part of a plot to consolidate authoritarian power.
Justice Torkornoo was removed from office on Monday, September 1, 2025, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution. According to the Presidency, the decision followed a recommendation by a committee set up under Article 146(6) to investigate a petition filed by a citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori. Her dismissal took immediate effect.
The move has, however, stirred public criticism, with some alleging it signals an authoritarian drift. Concerns have also been raised that the NDC’s super majority in Parliament could be used to push through constitutional amendments that entrench executive dominance, including a possible third term for the President.
Addressing these fears during his first media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, President Mahama rejected such claims, insisting he remained fully committed to democratic governance.
“Look in my face, do I look like a supreme leader? I’m a democrat, through and through. 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 further stressed that the removal of the Chief Justice was carried out strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
“Certainly, I’m not on the way to becoming a supreme leader or an autocrat,” Mahama added.
We’ve survived without borrowing, no quick return to capital market – Mahama
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