Former Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Timothy Ataboadey Awontirim, has weighed in on the petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Tokornoo, describing the alleged misconduct as serious and potentially substantiated.
Speaking on JoyPrime’s News Flash on Tuesday, Awontirim indicated that the petitioners may have strong grounds for their request and called for a fair examination of the allegations.
“It is my opinion anyway; you can even be an NPP chairman and be made Chief Justice or an NDC chairman and made Chief Justice. It is your conduct that will really show how independent and thoughtful you are—whether your dispensation of justice is anchored on the principles of the constitution and done in the name of the people of this country. That is what protects you from unnecessary political attacks,” he stated.
The calls for the Chief Justice’s removal follow three petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, accusing Justice Tokornoo of misconduct and requesting that she be replaced.
The President subsequently gave the Chief Justice ten days to respond to the allegations. Her response has since been submitted.
President Mahama has also tasked the Council of State, chaired by former Speaker of Parliament Doe Adjaho, to offer advice on the way forward.
The petitions and their implications have sparked nationwide debate, with opinions divided along political and legal lines.
Some have backed the petitioners’ call for accountability, while others view it as a threat to judicial independence.
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