Elikem Kotoko
… A voice for equity, discipline, and grassroots mobilization.
From awalavi to tarkwa
My name is Eric Kevin Elikem Kotoko. I was born in Abor in the Volta Region as the third child of my parents. My mother is a native of Whuti and my father is from Anfoegah, both in the Volta Region. Due to my father’s work as an engineer, we moved frequently during my early childhood—from the rice farms in Awalavi to construction sites in Takoradi and mining settlements in Tarkwa.
As a child, I saw my parents work hard every day. They taught me to remain humble and to strive to achieve the best life has to offer despite the challenging situations I might encounter. Today as a husband and a father, these are values I live by and inbibe in my family.
Professional life
Between 2007 and 2009, I worked at MTN as a Client Relations Officer, a role that gave me firsthand experience in applying my marketing and communication training.
From 2009 to 2013, I served as Regional Sales Manager for Bunree Industrial Estates, an Irish company that produces Oasis water purification and cooling systems. In this role, I was responsible for markets in both East and West Africa, which exposed me to working across diverse markets and cultures.
In 2013, I became Sales Manager for Gayford Industrial Ltd, a British supplier serving the oil, gas, mining, power, and petrochemical sectors. This challenging role took me across West, East, and Central African markets.
Between 2014 and 2025, I played various roles with WaterSmile, OasisCoolers, and Efficient Electron, focusing on expanding market reach and leading business development activities.
Following the victory of the NDC, in March 2025 I was appointed by President John Mahama as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission of Ghana. In this role, I oversee enforcement and monitoring functions that form the backbone of the Commission’s conservation efforts. My responsibilities also include coordinating nationwide strategies aimed at curbing illegal logging, mining, and other unauthorized activities that threaten our forests.
political leadership & action
In 2004, I joined the Campus Journalist Association, where I developed my writing skills and later became Assistant Editor of The Evil magazine, contributing articles under the pen name “The Gongon Beater.” I also served as Vice President of the Professional Marketers Association of Ghana Students.
In 2005, I was elected SRC President of Cape Coast Polytechnic and subsequently served as Coordinating Secretary of the Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUPS) in 2006/2007. As a student leader, I led negotiations for reduced fees and improved accommodation, often at personal risk, including arrests and a police shooting incident, until our demands were met.
Motivated by my belief in equality, I joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ablekuma Central, rising to become a party communicator. After an unsuccessful attempt in 2018, I was elected Deputy National Organizer in 2022. In this role, I helped mobilize grassroots support and coordinate nationwide campaigns, contributing significantly to the party’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
social life
As someone passionate about contributing my skills and resources to the betterment of society, I joined Rotaract Ghana, the youth wing of Rotary International, where I held several leadership roles, including Former National Public Relations Officer for District 9102.
I have received several prestigious awards, including the Youth Leadership Award from Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), a German NGO.
I am an avid athlete and participate in volleyball, pole vault, high jump, and long jump.
Elikem’s commitment to advocacy and service is inspiring. His leadership truly reflects the voice of the people he serves, making him a beacon of hope for our community.
Dr Justice Avedzi
Events
by-election observer
