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Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has been ranked fifth on the Devex Power 50 list of the most powerful people shaping the world of development and global changemaking.
The prestigious list, compiled by respected international development publication Devex, recognises individuals who are influencing the global development agenda at a time described as one of “tectonic shifts” in international aid, finance and policymaking.
President Mahama’s ranking places him among a new generation of leaders redefining development in the face of declining traditional foreign assistance and the growing influence of private-sector-led growth models.
According to Devex, Mahama’s recognition is largely driven by his championing of the “Accra Reset,” a policy framework aimed at redefining Africa’s relationship with the global North and repositioning the continent in a rapidly changing global development landscape.
The Accra Reset advocates a shift away from aid dependency towards domestic resource mobilisation, expanded regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the strategic use of technology to overcome long-standing development challenges.
Devex notes that as major donors, including the United States, scale back their foreign aid commitments, President Mahama has emerged as a leading voice for a “post-aid” Africa, offering practical alternatives rather than rhetoric.
The publication highlights that Mahama has moved beyond the long-standing “Africa Beyond Aid” narrative to promote concrete, market-driven policies designed to attract development finance while safeguarding national sovereignty.
His position at number five reflects his growing influence in shaping conversations around development finance, regional economic integration and Africa’s role in global decision-making.
Beyond political leadership, the Devex Power 50 list also features influential figures from philanthropy, finance, technology and global health who are reshaping how development is funded and delivered.
Notable names include Alexander Berger of Open Philanthropy and Nidhi Sahni of the Bridgespan Group, recognised for directing significant private capital into development initiatives. Technological innovators such as Zipline CEO Keller Rinaudo Cliffton are also acknowledged for deploying AI and robotics to improve healthcare delivery across Africa.
Global health leaders like Muhammad Ali Pate are highlighted for their work in strengthening health systems to withstand future pandemics, while policy influencers such as Avinash Persaud are recognised for redefining global climate finance frameworks.
By ranking President Mahama among the top five, Devex underscores a growing shift in global power dynamics, acknowledging that influential ideas and leadership in development are increasingly emerging from African capitals such as Accra.
