I won’t soften my words to massage egos – Elikem Kotoko

Elikem Kotoko

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has defended his blunt political commentary.

According to him, criticism of his choice of words will not deter him from speaking his mind.

He said he was prepared to withstand criticism because he remains convinced of his views and understands the possible consequences of his public comments.

His remarks follow criticism of his recent comments against of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, October 12, Mr Kotoko said he was not bothered by the backlash.

“I don’t massage the ego of people with velvet gloves. I say just as it is,” he said.

He acknowledged that his language could sometimes be harsh but noted that it reflects his personality and approach to political discourse.

Elikem also rejected appeals for him to moderate his comments in deference to Ghanaian cultural expectations, arguing that cultural practices should evolve.

“Culture itself is dynamic, and therefore we can be doing the same things and be expecting different results,” he said.

He cited political rhetoric from the 2024 election campaign, recalling how then-candidate John Dramani Mahama was described as “empty as a barrel”, to illustrate that harsh language is not new to Ghanaian politics.