James Kofi Annan

James Kofi Annan

James Kofi Annan was the last of 12 children born to illiterate parents. At age six he was trafficked to Lake Volta to work in fishing. While working on the lake, he was subjected to the worst forms of child labour and had his life put at risk. After escaping at age 13, James worked through school and university. He became manager at Barclays Bank of Ghana, but left in 2007 to work full time towards his goal of freeing and educating children in Ghana. His non-profit organisation, Challenging Heights, has rescued hundreds of children from slavery, while educating and protecting thousands of children at high risk of being trafficked. In addition, Challenging Heights wages community-wide education campaigns to teach families about the value of education and the devastating social and economic effects of human trafficking. Under James’ leadership, Challenging Heights’ advocacy message has reached tens of thousands of individuals on grassroots, national, and international levels. In 2013 he was awarded the World Children’s Prize in recognition of his work. James is currently credited as the founder of Nyce Media Limited, Run-Off Limited, Winneba United FC, CH Cold Store and Friend International School.

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