Dr. Orleans–Lindsay pushes Private sector to lead Ghana’s transformation
Dr. James Orleans–Lindsay, Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University and Executive Chairman of JL Holdings, has made a passionate call for Ghana’s private sector to take center stage in driving the country’s economic transformation.
Delivering a keynote speech at the launch of the 9th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, Dr. Orleans–Lindsay urged business leaders to move beyond profit-making to purposeful investment, stressing that Ghana’s development depends on the vision, courage, and innovation of its private enterprises.
Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Orleans–Lindsay highlighted the impact of investing locally. He cited the 410 houses he has developed in the Achimota enclave, an area that was once a dumping site as a testament to the power of building with purpose.
“Every cedi invested wisely in Ghana changes lives, not just ledgers…Real economic growth doesn’t just come from government, it comes from us the private sector. We are the job creators, innovators, and risk takers.” He said.
Dr. Orleans–Lindsay outlined five bold actions he believes every business leader should commit to. Firstly, is to build for impact, not just income, ensuring local employment and community transformation.
Second is to lead the digital transformation, citing his use of artificial intelligence on his farms through an AI platform called Irrigo Optima, which predicts water usage and potential crop diseases to enhance yields.
Next is to invest in the youth as a strategy, not charity, referencing his role as Chancellor to directly shape the minds of Ghana’s future workforce.
Last but not least is to build sustainably, pointing to his redevelopment of neglected areas into modern, liveable spaces.
Lastly, Leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area now, urging businesses to create value chains and not merely chase profits.
In one of the most rousing parts of his speech, Dr. Orleans–Lindsay challenged the organizers of the summit and fellow CEOs to take a practical step toward agricultural self-sufficiency.
“Bring 500 of your top CEOs together. Challenge us to each do a minimum of 200 acres of corn. In three years, we would change our food security situation, employ more people, and stop going to beg for grains. It’s shameful,” he said.
He concluded with a powerful reminder that Ghana’s future will be shaped by those willing to act boldly and responsibly.
“Let’s act not because it’s easy, but because Ghana depends on it. The economy won’t fix itself. We will.” Dr. Orleans–Lindsay, whose business interests span real estate, agriculture, and energy under JL Holdings, has emerged as one of Ghana’s most vocal advocates for private sector-led transformation. His passionate address set the tone for a summit focused not just on ideas, but on action. His challenge to Ghana’s business elite was clear: leadership is not just about vision, but about execution.
