Rashid Tanko-Computer is Deputy National Elections Director of NDC
Deputy National Elections Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Tanko Rashid, has shared the fascinating story behind his nickname “Computer”.
Recounting his childhood experience, he revealed that the name was first given to him by his mathematics teacher.
As a young student, Tanko stood out in his class for his exceptional ability to grasp and explain mathematical concepts with ease.
I don’t respond to idiots’ – Dr Rashid Tanko-Computer refutes ‘fake’ PhD allegations
“In mathematics, our teacher used to teach in English, and most of my classmates couldn’t understand her. I was the only one who could follow what she was doing,” he said. “She would finish and say, ‘Tanko, come and explain to your colleagues. They seem not to understand what I’m doing,” he said in an interview on JoyNews monitored by GhanaWeb on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
He added that mathematics and science came naturally to him, describing the subjects as “drinking water.”
His remarkable speed at solving problems even before formulas were fully written on the board earned him admiration from his teacher, who began calling him “Computer.”
I wanted to join the military because of Rawlings — Tanko Rashid Computer reveals
“At the time, I didn’t even understand what ‘Computer’ meant, but she kept calling me ‘Computer’ because of how fast I worked in maths. Eventually, everyone started calling me that, and I decided to keep the name,” he recalled.
Tanko noted that many of his peers expected him to pursue a career in mathematics or science, but life took him in a different direction.
Still, the nickname “Computer” stuck and has followed him into his political career, where it remains part of his public identity.
JKB/EB
Ntim Fordjour pushes for parliament brief on National Security
