" I’m not becoming a supreme leader or an autocrat ” - Mahama
Answering a question by citi FM's Bernard Avle at his media encounter on Wednesday, the President poopooed suggestions he's becoming a supreme leader
Elohim Nyame 
President John Dramani Mahama has debunked claims that his recent firing of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, coupled with his party’s super majority in Parliament, is part of a scheme to consolidate authoritarian political power.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was ousted from office on Monday, September 1, 2025, in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution. According to the Presidency, the decision came on the back of a recommendation by a committee set up under Article 146(6) to probe a petition filed by a citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori. Her dismissal took immediate effect.
The development has, however, sparked mixed public reactions, with some purporting it is a sign of 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.
Speaking to these fears during his first media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, President Mahama poopooed such rumours, insisting he remained fully committed to democratic governance.
“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 submitted.
He further stressed that the removal of the Chief Justice was done strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“Certainly, I’m not on the way to becoming a supreme leader or an autocrat,” Mahama concluded.
