Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has been placed fifth on the Devex Power 50, a global ranking of the most influential figures shaping international development and social change.

The annual list, compiled by respected development-focused publication Devex, spotlights individuals driving transformation in the sector at a time it describes as one of major global realignment.

President Mahama’s position among the top five highlights his growing prominence as a leader redefining development thinking, particularly as traditional donor funding declines and new economic models gain ground.

Central to Mahama’s recognition is his advocacy for the Accra Reset, a policy vision aimed at recalibrating Africa’s engagement with global development partners. As major economies, including the United States, scale back foreign aid commitments, Mahama has become a leading proponent of a future where African countries rely less on aid and more on sustainable, homegrown solutions.

The Accra Reset prioritises domestic revenue mobilisation, expanded regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the strategic use of digital innovation to overcome long-standing development barriers.

According to Devex, Mahama’s approach stands out for moving beyond broad slogans to practical, market-oriented strategies that attract investment while preserving national independence in decision-making.

Devex notes that Mahama’s influence reflects a broader shift toward leadership from the Global South, where governments are increasingly shaping development agendas rather than responding to them. His ranking places him among a new wave of leaders navigating reduced donor funding and the growing role of private capital in development financing.

While President Mahama is the highest-ranked political leader on the Power 50, the list also features key actors from across the development landscape:

Finance and Philanthropy: Figures such as Alexander Berger of Open Philanthropy and Nidhi Sahni of the Bridgespan Group, who oversee large-scale development funding.

Technology and Innovation: Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO of Zipline, recognised for deploying robotics and artificial intelligence to improve healthcare delivery across Africa.

Global Health Leadership: Experts like Muhammad Ali Pate, noted for strengthening health systems against future pandemics.

Policy Influencers: Individuals such as Avinash Persaud, credited with reshaping global climate finance frameworks.

Devex emphasises that influence in today’s development space lies not only in public visibility, but in the ability to shape decisions, resources, and long-term policy direction.

By placing President Mahama in the top tier of its global ranking, Devex signals a growing recognition that cities such as Accra are becoming central to global development leadership. Mahama’s promotion of the Accra Reset reflects a broader shift in how developing countries assert influence and demand a meaningful role in shaping the future of global progress.