Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa North, Timothy Ataboadey Awontirim, has criticised the alleged misconduct of Chief Justice Gertrude Tokornoor, as outlined in petitions filed by three individuals seeking her removal.

Speaking on JoyPrime's News Flash on Tuesday, the former MP suggested that the petitioners may have sufficient evidence against the Chief Justice to justify their request for her removal.

He emphasised that while one can become a Chief Justice through political influence, it is the individual’s conduct that ultimately determines their political standing.

"It is my opinion anyway, you can even be an NPP chairman and you are made a Chief Justice or NDC chairman and made a 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 it is done in the name of the people of this country, and that will protect you from unnecessary political attacks," he said.

The potential removal of the Chief Justice follows three petitions submitted to President John Mahama, urging him to consider her dismissal and appoint a new individual to the position.

According to reports, the Chief Justice has been accused of misconduct. The President subsequently granted her a ten-day grace period to respond to the petition, which has since been done.

The President has also tasked the Council of State, chaired by former Speaker of Parliament Doe Adjaho, to provide advice on how to handle the matter.

The council is expected to deliberate on the issue and offer recommendations to the President.

The call for Justice Tokornoo’s removal has sparked widespread debate on political and legal lines, with some supporting the move and others opposing it.