“Ask Jean Mensa to resign first”—Tanko-Computer fires back

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Rashid Tanko-Computer, has dismissed calls for the resignation of Electoral Commission (EC) Deputy Chairperson Emelia Affi Agbenyo, arguing that critics should instead direct their demands at EC Chairperson Jean Mensa.

Tanko-Computer defended President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Mrs. Agbenyo, insisting that her association with the NDC does not make her an active party operative nor disqualify her from serving on the Commission.

Speaking on News Digest on Saturday, October 17, he said Mrs. Agbenyo was qualified for the role and should not be equated with individuals who hold active political positions.

“The fact that she associated herself with the NDC during the 2024 election and became our spokesperson on governance doesn’t make her a party activist today,” he said.

He questioned what he described as selective criticism of EC appointments, arguing that individuals appointed under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration should also face scrutiny over their political affiliations.

“Why are they not asking for Madam Jean Mensa to resign? The first person they should be asking to resign is Madam Jean Mensa and Salima, as well as the other gentlemen—not Emelia,” he said.

His comments follow criticism of Mrs. Agbenyo’s appointment over her reported involvement in NDC campaign activities ahead of the 2024 elections, with opponents raising concerns about whether her political association could undermine perceptions of the EC’s independence and neutrality.