Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has been ranked fifth on the 2026 Devex Power 50 list, a prestigious global ranking of the most influential leaders shaping international development policy and finance. The recognition places him among a select group of changemakers whose ideas, advocacy and strategic leadership are redefining how development is funded and delivered worldwide.
Compiled annually by Devex, a respected global development media platform, the Power 50 list highlights individuals who wield significant influence beyond traditional political or financial clout. The 2026 edition comes at a time of “tectonic shifts” in global development marked by declining traditional foreign aid, evolving donor priorities and the growing role of the private sector, philanthropy, and new financial instruments aimed at supporting sustainable growth.
At the heart of Mahama’s high placement is his leadership of the “Accra Reset” , a bold strategy aimed at reimagining Africa’s engagement with global partners. Rather than adapting to shrinking aid flows, the Accra Reset emphasises domestic resource mobilisation, strategic regional integration through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and harnessing technology to overcome structural barriers to development.
Devex’s coverage highlights that Mahama has gone beyond rhetorical commitments to a post-aid Africa, pushing for practical, market-oriented policies that attract investment while ensuring national sovereignty and policy autonomy. This approach, they argue, reflects a broader shift from old aid-dependent structures to locally driven development leadership , an agenda gaining traction across several African nations as they grapple with debt pressures, reduced donor commitments, and shifting global economic conditions.
Observers note that Mahama’s inclusion in the top five is particularly significant because it underscores influence rather than financial might. The Devex Power 50 selects leaders not solely for the size of their coffers, but for their ability to shape policy, build coalitions and steer global development conversations.
While Mahama stands out as one of the highest-ranked political leaders, the list also features influential figures from philanthropy, private finance, technology and global health sectors including leaders directing significant private capital, innovators integrating technological solutions in development, and architects of climate finance frameworks.
This recognition also reflects Mahama’s extensive experience on the global stage. Before returning to office in January 2025 for a non-consecutive second presidential term, he served in various international capacities, including as co-chair of the United Nations Advocacy Group on the Sustainable Development Goals. His broad networks across governments, multilateral institutions and civil society have bolstered his capacity to champion reform agendas like the Accra Reset.
For Ghana, the ranking is a diplomatic milestone that signals rising influence in global development architecture debates. It aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to negotiate debt sustainability, attract climate and development finance, and assert leadership in continental initiatives.
As development stakeholders increasingly question the sustainability of traditional aid models, Mahama’s placement on the Devex Power 50 suggests that African voices are gaining ground in shaping how the future of global development is imagined and financed.
Author: Edem Latsu Nukafu
Edem Latsu Nukafu, a passionate communications professional dedicated to public relations, journalism, media strategy, and content development. He holds both a Diploma and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Media, Arts and Communication – UniMAC-IJ. A member of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
