Engineer Eric Atta-Sonno has urged Ghanaians to embrace positive attitudinal change both at home and in the workplace, stressing that such a shift is essential for improving leadership and governance in the country.
He delivered this message at the launch of his new books, Just Thinking Aloud and Unpacking My Thoughts, highlighting deep-rooted behavioural shortcomings that hinder national progress.
According to Engr. Atta-Sonno, many governance failures in Ghana stem not only from weak leadership but also from societal habits that shape future leaders. Drawing from personal experiences, he recalled a 2018 visit to the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, where he observed delays, indiscipline, and a lack of urgency in public service.
He also cited misconduct in institutions such as the Ghana Police Service, pointing to indiscriminate parking, driving on road medians, and misuse of sirens in non-emergency situations.
“These behaviours are not isolated,” he said. “Leaders emerge from communities where such attitudes are normalized. If society continues to tolerate indiscipline, we cannot expect transformational leaders to emerge.”
Engr. Atta-Sonno emphasised that national development depends on individuals acting responsibly, upholding standards, and holding those in authority accountable.
His books address a wide range of national issues. Just Thinking Aloud explores social issues, faith, leadership, and education, while Unpacking My Thoughts examines economic management, social justice, rights and equality, the Constitution, democratic consolidation, electoral politics, decentralisation, and local governance.
At the event, legal practitioner and governance expert Lawyer Eric Oduro-Osae highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Ghana’s local governance systems, noting that effective decentralisation is a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Both speakers delivered a clear message: Ghana’s path to better governance and national transformation begins with a shift in everyday attitudes. Only through collective responsibility, discipline, and accountability can the nation achieve meaningful progress.
