Mahama Champions Accra Reset at World Economic Forum Assembly

In a significant diplomatic engagement, former Ghanaian President John Mahama has taken the stage at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to champion the “Accra Reset,” a Global South-led initiative aimed at reshaping international cooperation. This high-level assembly convenes global political and trade leaders to address rising geopolitical rivalries and the fragmentation of traditional aid frameworks.

Introduction

The World Economic Forum in Davos is traditionally a hub for discussing global economic stability, but the 2025 assembly has seen a distinct shift in focus toward the Global South. Central to this shift is the Accra Reset, an initiative designed to strengthen sovereign capability and reimagine how nations collaborate in an era of uncertainty. Former President John Mahama, leading the Presidential Council of the Accra Reset, utilized this platform to advocate for a more balanced global order. This article explores the background of the initiative, the key players involved, and the practical implications for international governance.

Key Points

Background

To understand the significance of the Accra Reset, one must look at the current state of global governance. Traditional international aid frameworks are breaking down, and great-power rivalries are intensifying. The Accra Reset was conceived against this backdrop of overlapping crises—including climate shocks, pandemics, and cost-of-living pressures.

Origins of the Initiative

The Accra Reset was formally introduced at the 2025 United Nations General Assembly. It gained further traction and endorsement at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. The initiative posits that national sovereignty is not merely about domestic policy but is intrinsically linked to the ability to navigate and influence the global system.

The Davos Context

Hosting the first Davos convening of the Accra Reset is strategic. Davos is synonymous with high-level policy influence. By bringing the initiative here, Mahama and the council aim to move the conversation from theoretical endorsement to practical implementation, engaging with the world’s most influential policy architects.

Analysis

The Accra Reset represents a pivot in how the Global South engages with the established international order. It moves beyond the traditional narrative of aid dependency toward one of strategic partnership and sovereign capability.

Composition of the Presidential Council

The diversity of the Presidential Council highlights the initiative’s broad scope. The inclusion of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (Egypt), President William Samoei Ruto (Kenya), and President Félix Tshisekedi (DRC) demonstrates strong African representation. However, the participation of Vice President Kashim Shettima (Nigeria) and Prime Minister James Marape (Papua New Guinea) indicates a trans-continental ambition, bridging Africa and the Pacific.

The Role of the Guardians Circle

A unique feature of the Accra Reset is the “Guardians Circle,” comprising former heads of state such as Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Helen Clark (New Zealand), Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius), and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia). This group provides institutional memory and high-level diplomatic weight, acting as a steering committee for the initiative’s long-term vision. Their presence signals that the Accra Reset is not a fleeting political maneuver but a sustained movement.

Strategic Alignment with Domestic Policy

President Mahama’s articulation of the Accra Reset as complementary to the “Resetting Ghana Agenda” is a critical analytical point. It suggests a dual-track approach to governance: internal reforms must be supported by an external environment that is favorable to development. Mahama’s argument that sovereignty requires the capacity to implement national visions while building strategic partnerships underscores the initiative’s pragmatic philosophy.

Practical Advice

For policymakers, business leaders, and observers, the Accra Reset offers a new lens through which to view international development and trade.

For International Investors

Investors should monitor the priority programs launched at Davos. The Accra Reset focuses on strengthening sovereign capability, which often translates to improved regulatory environments and infrastructure development in participating nations. The emphasis on “Global South” collaboration suggests new trade corridors and regional integration opportunities.

For Policymakers

The initiative serves as a case study in “minilateralism”—smaller, flexible coalitions of like-minded states. Policymakers can learn from the Accra Reset’s model of combining high-level political will (Presidential Council) with experienced oversight (Guardians Circle) to tackle complex issues like climate shocks and pandemics.

For Civil Society

Civil society organizations should engage with the Accra Reset’s priority programs to ensure that “sovereign capability” includes human rights and democratic governance. The involvement of figures like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Helen Clark suggests a commitment to democratic values, but vigilance is required to ensure these programs translate into tangible benefits for local populations.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Accra Reset, championed by John Mahama at the World Economic Forum, represents a significant evolution in global diplomacy. By uniting leaders from across the Global South and leveraging the expertise of seasoned statesmen, the initiative seeks to build a resilient framework for international cooperation. As the world grapples with climate crises and economic instability, the principles of the Accra Reset—sovereign capability and strategic partnership—may well define the future of global governance.

Sources

• Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
• World Economic Forum Official Agenda (Davos Assembly).
• United Nations General Assembly Records (2025).
• G20 Leaders’ Summit Proceedings (Johannesburg).