Leadership and Executive Coach, Patrick Sassou Abah-Dakou, has emphasizes that emotional intelligence is essential for leaders who aspire to lead effectively and make a lasting impact.
Speaking at the launch of his new book, Emotional Intelligence: The Game Changer in Leadership, Mr Abah-Dakou highlighted the importance of leaders maintaining a full “emotional reservoir.”
According to him, leaders must be emotionally grounded in order to navigate complex challenges, build meaningful relationships, and inspire their teams toward shared goals.
He noted that emotionally intelligent leadership is not just about managing oneself, but also about understanding, empathizing with, and motivating others. This, he said, is the true differentiator in today’s dynamic and people-driven leadership landscape.
He highlighted self-awareness assessing one’s strengths and weaknesses, awareness of others, and authenticity, as key traits of emotionally intelligent individuals.
The 196-page book captures the author’s personal journey, critically examining his failures, resilience, and unwavering faith in God. It also explores how the discovery of his purpose and the application of emotional intelligence transformed his life. Drawing from his experiences, the author shares how he now coaches others toward greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Delivering the keynote address at the book launch, Learning and Development Expert Ivy Annan Mawuko remarked that the book simplifies the concept of Emotional Intelligence, making it accessible and practical for everyday life.
She emphasized that a lack of self-awareness can significantly impact thinking, decision-making, and relationships, underscoring the book’s relevance in both personal and professional development.
The event which took place at Palms by Eagles in Accra, saw banking experts, Ambassadors, book enthusiasts and other high profile people grace the occassion.
More than 20 individuals, organisations and Media Establishments were awarded for their impact. Other awardees included:
Alex Okyere, MD, MultiChoice Ghana Limited
Baptista Domingos Quiosa, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola in Ghana
Dave Boreham, Executive Chairman and Founder, MCA Training International, South Africa
Rev. Fitzgerald Odonkor, President of Harvest International Ministries and General Overseer of Harvest Chapel International
Dan Sackey, Board Chairman, Cal Bank Ghana Ltd.
Yacouba Saré, MD, Coris Invest Group, Burkina Faso
Olivier Kwame Brou, MD, Ecobank, Congo Brazzaville
Sylvain Pendi, MD, Ecobank Chad
Alassane Sorgho, MD, Ecobank Democratic Republic of Congo
Sylvester Nankala Ouattara, Cluster Head Corporate Bank, Ecobank Cameroon & Cluster CEMAC
GBC’s GTV was recognised for its role in supporting education on Emotional Intelligence.
About the Author
Patrick Sassou Abah-Dakou is a Togolese Leadership and Executive Coach based in Ghana. He transitioned from a successful 14-year banking career into the field of human resource development and is the founder of P&F Coaching International.
Patrick holds an advanced degree in Finance and Entrepreneurship and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.
A certified Emotional Intelligence coach and speaker, he trains leaders across Africa in both English and French, equipping them with tools for effective leadership and self-awareness.
He also serves in leadership roles with multiple international organizations and is a regular writer and speaker on topics related to Emotional Intelligence and Leadership.
Patrick is married and a proud father of one.
