Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has been ranked fifth on DEVEX’s list of the 50 most powerful people shaping global development and change making. The recognition highlights his growing influence on the world stage in thinking about development and economic transformation.
The DEVEX Power 50 list identifies leaders from around the world who are driving major shifts in development policy and practice. Mahama’s ranking reflects his leadership in rethinking how countries pursue progress at a time when traditional foreign aid is declining and new approaches are emerging.
At the centre of his inclusion is his “Accra Reset” framework, a development strategy aimed at redefining the relationship between African nations and global partners. The concept focuses on increasing domestic resource mobilisation, expanding regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and using technology to address development challenges. His efforts are seen as pushing beyond rhetoric to practical policies that support growth while affirming national sovereignty.
Devex described Mahama as a leading voice for a “post-aid” future in which developing countries take greater control of their development paths. His high ranking among the world’s changemakers highlights Ghana’s role in the evolving global development landscape and points to a shift in how influence is exercised beyond traditional donors
