Ibrahim Mahama Makes History As First African to Top Annual Art Power List
- Popular Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama has been named the most influential person in the art world
- He climbed from 14th place on ArtReview’s Power 100 list in 2024 to the number spot on the ranking in 2025
- Mahama is renowned for his major installations crafted from repurposed jute sacks and industrial materials
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Renowned Ghanaian artist, Ibrahim Mahama, has made history as the first African to claim the number one spot on ArtReview’s Power 100 list.
Source: Facebook
The 2025 list was released on December 4, 2025, recognising the PhD student in Painting and Sculpture at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art worldwide.
His work has shaped artistic innovation, cultural discourse, and institutional development over the past year.
At 38, Mahama has achieved an unprecedented leap from 14th place in 2024 to the top of the list in 2025, placing Ghana at the forefront of global conversations on contemporary art.
Ibrahim Mahama's works in the arts industry
Ibrahim Mahama is celebrated for his monumental installations crafted from repurposed jute sacks and industrial materials.
His works focus on complex themes including labour, migration, trade histories, and collective memory, and have been exhibited in major museums, biennials, and public spaces across Africa, Europe, and North America.
Source: Facebook
Over the years, the talented artist has also channelled his artistic success into transforming the creative landscape of northern Ghana through the establishment of major cultural initiatives, including the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA), Red Clay Studio, and Nkrumah Volini.
Through his remarkable works, Ibrahim Mahama has now inspired a new generation of artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners while solidifying Ghana’s position in global contemporary art.
The Facebook post about the renowned artist's achievement is below:
Reactions to artist Ibrahim Mahama’s achievements
Netizens have shared congratulatory messages as many celebrate the prominent Ghanaian artist.
Bernard Balang commented:
"Congratulations to you, Ibrahim Mahama, on this outstanding accomplishment as the first African to make it to the top of the ArtReview Power 100 list"
Jamil Abdul Karim Sabonkudi wrote:
"Wow, this is massive. The pride of the North ♥️👏🏿🫵."
Ibrahim Hamid Mohammed said:
"Congratulations, Mr. Ibrahim."
Issah Mohammed Seini reacted:
"Ibrahim is reshaping Art in Northern Ghana. This will change the perception people hold about Art and, therefore, will allow their wards to pursue art as a course of study in secondary school. Congratulations to you for projecting the Nation at the international level."
Bernard Balang stated:
"Congratulations to you, Ibrahim Mahama, on this outstanding accomplishment as the first African to top the ArtReview Power 100 list."
Gabriel Yamoah-Boansi added:
"Congratulations, Pojoba. Keep sailing."
Ibrahim Yakubu contributed:
"Congratulations to KNUST and Sir Ibrahim Mahama 👏🎉."
Ibrahim Mahama confirms ownership of abandoned aircraft
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the celebrated artist Ibrahim Mahama had claimed ownership of an aircraft once used by Ghana Airways.
On August 28, 2024, he stated in a post on X that he now owns the plane, which he reportedly purchased from Antrak Air three years ago.
Ibrahim Mahama explained that his motive was to transform the abandoned plane into a 'moving museum' that could travel across the country.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
