Ghana’s President, John Mahama, has been recognised as number five on a list of the 50 most powerful people in the world of development and changemaking, compiled by respected publications, DEVEX, for his championing of the Accra Reset.
The prestigious Devex Power 50 list identifies the individuals transforming the global development sector during a period of “tectonic shifts.”
Mahama’s high ranking places him at the forefront of a new generation of leaders who are navigating the retrenchment of traditional foreign assistance and the rise of private-sector-led growth.
Why Mahama is on the List
At the heart of President Mahama’s inclusion is his vision for the “Accra Reset,” a bold framework designed to redefine the relationship between African nations and the global North. As the United States and other major donors reduce their foreign aid footprints, Mahama has emerged as a leading voice for a “post-aid” Africa.
The Accra Reset focuses on leveraging domestic resource mobilization, fostering regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and utilizing technology to leapfrog traditional development hurdles.
Devex notes that Mahama has moved beyond the rhetoric of “Africa Beyond Aid” to implement practical, market-driven policies that attract development finance while maintaining national sovereignty.
Mahama’s position at number 5 is a testament to his influence in several key areas:
A Global Cohort of Changemakers
While President Mahama represents the pinnacle of political leadership on the list, the Devex Power 50 also highlights other critical players shaping the future:
Philanthropy & Finance: The list features influential figures like Alexander Berger (Open Philanthropy) and Nidhi Sahni (Bridgespan Group), who control the flow of billions in private capital.
Technological Innovators: Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO of Zipline, is mentioned for his role in integrating AI and robotics into healthcare delivery across the continent.
Global Health Advocates: Leaders like Muhammad Ali Pate are recognized for reinventing health systems to be more resilient against future pandemics.
The “Behind-the-Scenes” Players: The list emphasizes that power today belongs to those who influence “policies, people, and purse strings,” including figures like Avinash Persaud, who is rewriting the rules of global climate finance.
By ranking President Mahama in the top five, Devex acknowledges that the future of global progress is increasingly being directed from capitals like Accra. His leadership through the Accra Reset marks a significant turn in how developing nations project power and demand a seat at the table of global decision-making
