Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has been ranked fifth on the Devex Power 50, a prestigious list of the most powerful people shaping the global development and changemaking landscape.
Compiled by international development publication Devex, the Power 50 recognises individuals who are transforming the global development sector at a time of what the outlet describes as “tectonic shifts” — including declining traditional foreign aid and the growing influence of private capital and innovative financing.
President Mahama’s high placement puts him among a new generation of global leaders redefining development cooperation and economic growth, particularly for emerging economies.
Accra Reset Drives Recognition
According to Devex, Mahama’s inclusion is largely driven by his championing of the “Accra Reset,” a policy framework aimed at reshaping Africa’s engagement with the global North in a post-aid era.
As major donors such as the United States and European partners scale back traditional development assistance, Mahama has positioned Ghana — and Africa more broadly — as a leading voice for sustainable, self-directed growth.
The Accra Reset emphasises domestic resource mobilisation, expanded regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the use of technology and innovation to overcome long-standing development challenges.
Devex notes that Mahama has moved beyond the slogan of “Africa Beyond Aid” by advancing practical, market-driven policies that attract development finance while safeguarding national sovereignty.
Influence Beyond Politics
Mahama’s ranking reflects his influence across multiple areas, including economic policy, development finance, and Africa’s role in global decision-making. His position at number five makes him one of the highest-ranked political leaders on the list.
The Devex Power 50 also features a diverse group of changemakers shaping development from different angles:
Philanthropy and Finance: Figures such as Alexander Berger of Open Philanthropy and Nidhi Sahni of the Bridgespan Group, who oversee the allocation of billions of dollars in private capital.
Technology and Innovation: Zipline CEO Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, recognised for deploying AI and robotics to improve healthcare delivery in Africa and beyond.
Global Health Leadership: Muhammad Ali Pate, noted for his work in building resilient health systems capable of responding to future pandemics.
Climate and Economic Policy: Economists and policymakers like Avinash Persaud, credited with reshaping global climate finance rules.
Africa’s Growing Voice
By ranking President Mahama in the top five, Devex signals a broader shift in global development leadership — one increasingly influenced by voices from the Global South.
The publication notes that power in today’s development landscape lies not only with governments, but with those who shape policy, people, and financial flows. Mahama’s leadership, it adds, demonstrates how African capitals such as Accra are asserting greater influence in global economic and development debates.
For Ghana, the recognition underscores the country’s growing role in shaping conversations about the future of development in an era defined by innovation, investment, and strategic independence.
