President Mahama Ranks 3rd Globally as Ghanaian Leaders Shine on WDO Global Influence Index 2025
President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, former Ayorkor Botchwey and Wode Maya have earned global recognition after being named among the 100 Most Influential Leaders and Diplomats of 2025, according to the newly released Global Influence Index by the World Diplomatic Organization (WDO).
Mahama ranked 3rd overall as Africa’s best Leader of the Year 2025, placing him among the world’s top-tier best performing World Leader, due to Ghana’s peace stability and also for his democratic leadership and governance, while Ablakwa secured the 52nd position, marking a significant international endorsement of Ghana’s growing diplomatic footprint. The former Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is part of the list including the young Wode Maya from Ghana who has also been recognized as most influential Digital Diplomat promoting Africa and continue to put many countries on global Map
ABOUT THE GLOBAL INFLUENCE INDEX
The World Diplomatic Organization (WDO) the umbrella body for the African, Asian, European, and American Diplomatic Organizations is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
Its annual Global Influence Index is one of the most comprehensive assessments of leadership impact across politics, diplomacy, governance, and global development.
The 2025 edition was compiled by the International Diplomatic Research and Facts-Checks Committee, led by Dr. Daisy Rowland (Esq.), WDO’s Chief Envoy for Global Peace and International Affairs.
“This list celebrates leadership excellence, ethical governance, peacebuilding, and international cooperation in a rapidly changing world,” the WDO stated.
WHY MAHAMA & ABLAKWA MATTER
John Dramani Mahama (Ranked 3rd): Recognized for his sustained influence in African and global politics, peace advocacy, and democratic leadership.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Ranked 52nd): Honored for his assertive diplomacy, international advocacy, and role in strengthening Ghana’s global engagement.
Their inclusion underscores Ghana’s rising relevance in international diplomacy and governance.
GLOBAL HEAVYWEIGHTS ON THE 2025 LIST
The top of the list features a mix of political powerhouses, diplomats, innovators, and cultural leaders, including:
Donald Trump
María Corina Machado
John Dramani Mahama
António Guterres
Benjamin Netanyahu
Xi Jinping
Vladimir Putin
Ursula von der Leyen
Narendra Modi
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The full list spans 100 personalities across continents and sectors.
IMPACT AREAS CONSIDERED
The 2025 Index reflects influence across a wide range of global sectors, including:
Leadership Excellence & Public Service
Diplomacy & International Relations
Peace, Security & Youth Engagement
Economic Development & Global Markets
Anti-Corruption Advocacy
Science, Technology & Innovation
Media, Arts & Cultural Diplomacy
Women, Children & Social Affairs
Religion, Ethics & Citizen Diplomacy
BIG PICTURE
According to WDO, the 2025 rankings highlight individuals whose actions have shaped global conversations, influenced policy, advanced peace, and inspired unity amid geopolitical uncertainty.
For Ghana, the recognition of Mahama and Ablakwa signals renewed international confidence in the country’s leadership voice on the world stage.
