NDC’s Rashid Tanko Fires Back at NPP Over Torkonoo Removal

Rashid Tanko Computer, a Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pushed back at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its criticisms surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo. He argued that nothing unlawful or unusual occurred and that the current process mirrors what transpired under the NPP government.

During a discussion on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, he expressed surprise at the NPP’s attempt to frame the matter as politically motivated. He recalled that during Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidency, a petition brought by Professor Kwaku Azar against the same Chief Justice was handled using the same constitutional route—Article 146.

That earlier petition, he explained, was reviewed by the Council of State, which concluded that the accusations lacked the level of seriousness required to trigger a full inquiry. Based on that advice, the Presidency at the time brought the matter to an end. Tanko Computer questioned why that decision was never condemned by the NDC, stressing that the party respected the constitutional framework and refrained from attacking the presidency for dismissing the petition.

He pointed out that the present situation follows the exact same constitutional steps. A new petition was filed, Article 146 was once again activated, and the Council of State—sitting with full attendance—determined that the allegations this time required further examination. That conclusion set into motion the removal process that has now become a point of political contention.

According to him, none of the stages required by the Constitution were bypassed, and the NPP’s reaction appears inconsistent, considering that the procedures remained unchanged from when they were in office. He maintained that the action was not initiated by the NDC, emphasising that the earlier petition and the initial scrutiny of Justice Torkonoo took place when the NPP still held power.

Tanko Computer insisted that the removal was grounded in the Constitution, executed transparently, and did not involve any political manipulation. He dismissed the controversy as a case of selective criticism from the NPP.

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