Following his appointment as Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, Deputy National Youth Organizer of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, vowing to transform the commission into an enviable body.
His appointment, which comes at a critical time for the commission, is meant to complement its leadership and bolster its operational efforts. Kotoko is expected to serve in a supporting capacity to Dr. Hugh Brown, the current acting Chief Executive of the commission.
“I want to thank His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama for this opportunity to serve as Deputy Chief Executive at the Forestry Commission under the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources Minister, Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and to also pledge my commitment to make sure we deliver on our promises to Ghanaians”
Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission
According to Elikem, the reset agenda of President Mahama is evidenced in his appointments since assuming office. The new government has committed to achieving different results by doing things differently, he asserted.
The Mahama administration has broken away from the trend of predominantly appointing old people to strategic portfolios and has rather embraced a blended approach to the process, giving qualified youth the opportunity to be part of governance.
He commended President Mahama for largely appointing younger and qualified people, stressing that the “energized results-oriented youthful workforce,” are poised to listen to the input of the “experienced old guards.”
The youth who have been bestowed with the honour are ever ready to work with the older generation for groundbreaking results that foster good nation building like never before.
Therefore “this blend of both old and new”, he assured, would guarantee the long desired outcome promised to the people of Ghana by the NDC.
He admitted to the challenges ahead, citing the massive work needed to meet the expectations of Ghanaians.
However, he resiliently referred to this as a call to prove himself by “bringing to bear his skills, expertise” and sheer will in rebuilding the country.
Responsibility Rather Than Reward
Further expressing his intention to rise to the occasion as the new DCE for the Forestry Commission, Kotoko asked for his appointment not to be viewed as a reward for loyalty to the NDC but as an informed call to serve his motherland.
“This is therefore not a reward for hard work but instead a call to duty to render service based on one’s known demonstrable signs of effective performance”
Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission
The Forestry Commission, directly responsible to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is charged with regulating the usage of wildlife and forestry resources, as well as the management of those resources and policies related to them.
Bearing the brunt of the ‘galamsey’ menace, the commission has been actively involved in the fight against illegal mining under the new administration, coordinating its efforts with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Ministry of Defense.
The commission seeks to end illegal mining and properly secure the country’s forest reserves and water bodies.
Kotoko lamented the horrendous effects of the last eight years under the NPP regime on the commission, reminding the general public of the utmost dedication needed to positively mount the office.
The work ahead involves undoing the harm caused by the “the failed leadership’s misrule, shameless corrupt regime, unpatriotism, and wanton greed soaked in the pool of corruption.”
As such, only hardworking individuals with upstanding character and resolve to set things right can be relied upon.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be called to serve our country, especially in these perilous times we find ourselves, after the bad winds that blew over it”
Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission
Referencing the NDC’s wildlife and forestry sector promise in its 2024 election manifesto, Kotoko pledged to do his best to see the “commission grow, expand and earn an enviable name for itself.”
The new Deputy Chief Executive crowned his address with a charge for all who have supported him so far to continue, hopeful to rely on their feedback and input as he steps into the new office.
The NDC’s promise to “sustainably develop and manage Ghana’s Forestry and wildlife resources” has many stakeholders interested in the outcome now that why are in power.
Elikem Kotoko’s appointment as DCE of the Forestry Commission will be closely watched to ascertain his competence and the commission’s overall performance as time passes.
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