Devex (Developer Experience), a leading independent news organization and social enterprise for global development, health, humanitarian and sustainability community, on 2nd February, 2026, ranked the President of the Republic of Ghana – John Dramani Mahama, as 5th most powerful and influential person in the world of development and change making. The President, was given this recognition due to his inclusion of being among the elite group of global figures featured in the 2026 Devex Power 50 list, with regards to his extensive public service career or roles as Member of Parliament, Sector Minister, Vice President, first Co-Chair of the United Nations Advocacy Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and now, a President.
According to Devex, Prez Mahama’s ranking which emerged as a result of his leading voice to advocate for African self-determination in development financing and commitment to champion RESET AGENDA, into a redefined Africa’s relationship with the global North as well as, the repositioning of continent for a post aid-future; suggest a bold action and decision on his part. Also, the RESET AGENDA which prioritizes domestic resource mobilization, regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), along with the strategic use of technology to overcome long standing development challenges, Devex termed it, as prudent course on Prez Mahama’s part to be far gone beyond the rhetoric of “Africa Beyond Aid”. Especially where, it is evident in his pursuant in practical, market-driven policies to attract these development finances, whilst also preserving and protecting Ghana’s National Sovereignty.
Furthermore, Devex highlighted that, Prez. Mahama’s push for reforms including debt relief, trade, climate finance and the ability to argue that, Africa must renegotiate its place in the global economic order, rather than simply adapting to declining aid flows, sets a remarkable precedent on his part in the world of development and change making, as well. For instance; in August last year, Prez Mahama convened African leaders, policy makers and global health experts in Accra to launch a new vision for African health sovereignty, which later also expanded into a broader development agenda at the United Nations General Assembly in September, 2025.
Again, Devex described Prez. Mahama’s RESET AGENDA as a decisive move away from “development-as-usual”, positioning it as a global agenda with relevance beyond Africa. The initiative has even also benefited from the advisory role of former Nigerian President – Olusegun Obasanjo; they emphasized.
For that reason, Prez Mahama’s top five ranking, sets as a reflection on the growing influence of development finance institutions, philanthropy, private capital and artificial intelligence in a rapidly changing global landscape. Notwithstanding, this recognition of Prez Mahama, also underscores Ghana’s rising profile in global development debates and positions the RESET, as one of the most influential ideas in shaping international cooperation in years to come.