Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has been ranked fifth on the Devex Power 2026 list of 50 most powerful people in the world in development and changemaking. President Mahama received this recognition for his leadership in the 'Accra Reset,' an initiative advocating for a new model of African development, debt relief, and climate finance.
According to Ghana News Agency, John Mahama, who assumed the presidency of Ghana in January, is currently serving his second term, although not consecutively. Previously elected in 2012, he lost his re-election bid in 2016. His political career also includes roles as Vice President, Parliamentarian, and various ministerial positions. Notably, he was the first co-chair of the United Nations Advocacy Group on the Sustainable Development Goals.
President Mahama has gained attention as a prominent advocate for a new deal focusing on African development. He has been instrumental in shaping discussions on debt relief, trade reform, and climate finance, emphasizing that Africa must renegotiate its position in the global economic landscape rather than merely adjusting to diminishing aid.
In August 2025, President Mahama hosted a meeting in Accra with African leaders, policymakers, and global health experts to launch a vision for African health sovereignty, centered on national ownership and equitable global cooperation. This initiative was expanded during the U.N. General Assembly in September 2025 to address broader development issues and to set a global agenda beyond Africa.
The 'Accra Reset' initiative aims to end traditional development models and promote new governance, business, and financing models in response to U.S. aid cuts. President Mahama has been actively advocating for this vision, with the support and advisory of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.