President John Dramani Mahama has been ranked fifth on the 2026 Devex Power 50 list, a global ranking of the most influential figures shaping international development and social change, in recognition of his leadership in advancing a new African-led development vision known as the “Accra Reset.”
Mahama, who assumed office in January 2025 for a second, non-consecutive term, was cited for his strong advocacy for Africa to redefine its place in the global economic and development architecture.
The Devex assessment highlights his role in pushing debates beyond traditional aid dependency toward self-reliance, domestic resource mobilisation, regional trade, and fairer global governance structures.
The Accra Reset, championed by the Ghanaian President, calls for an end to what he describes as “development-as-usual.”
The framework urges African countries to take greater ownership of their development priorities while engaging the global system on more equitable terms, particularly on debt relief, trade reform, climate finance, and health sovereignty.
The initiative was first unveiled in Accra in 2025 during a high-level meeting of African leaders, policymakers, and global health experts, where discussions focused on strengthening Africa’s capacity to finance and manage its own health systems.
It was later expanded into a broader development agenda at the United Nations General Assembly and further amplified at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos.
Devex also noted Mahama’s extensive political and international experience, including his previous service as vice president, legislator, cabinet minister, and co-chair of the United Nations Advocacy Group on the Sustainable Development Goals.
His hands-on leadership and ability to convene African and global actors around a shared reform agenda were described as central to the growing influence of the Accra Reset.
Mahama’s placement among the top five underscores Ghana’s rising profile in global development conversations and reflects increasing international attention on African-led solutions to long-standing economic and social challenges.
