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The People Behind
The Mission

Challenging Heights is powered by a dedicated team of board members, management,
and staff who bring expertise, passion, and personal commitment to protecting children
across Ghana every single day.
Governance

Advisory Board

The work of Challenging Heights is made possible by a dedicated advisory board working every day to provide strategic direction for the organization. Their guidance, networks, and oversight strengthen everything we do to champion children’s rights and break cycles of exploitation.

Prof. Mavis Amo-Mensah

Chairperson

Professor Mavis Amo-Mensah is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Strategic Communication at the University of Education, Winneba. As accomplished scholar and Accredited Public Relations Practitioner, she brings extensive expertise in institutional governance, corporate social responsibility, and strategic communication to her leadership roles. Through her blend of high-level academic research, advisory experience, and commitment to social impact, she provides critical guidance to Challenging Heights, driving organizational development and effective stakeholder engagement.

Lawrencia Aggrey-Bluwey

Member

Lawrencia Aggrey-Bluwey is a dedicated health policy researcher, lecturer, and registered general nurse with extensive expertise in health systems resilience, patient safety, and healthcare management. Her deep commitment to mentorship, institutional planning, and health governance makes her a significant asset in providing strategic guidance and strengthening organizational oversight.

Linda Ataa Osabutey

Member

Linda Ataa Osabutey is an accomplished project management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and gender specialist with over twelve years of experience in international development and humanitarian programming. She combines advanced technical proficiency in M&E systems with a profound commitment to social justice.

Mr. Kenneth Mamud

Member

Kenneth Mamudu is a seasoned development practitioner and child protection specialist with over 20 years of experience in programme management, education, and child labour remediation. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prominent organizations to implement impactful community-based interventions focused on child protection and education.

James Kofi Annan

Secretary

James Kofi Annan is the Founder and President of Challenging Heights. A survivor of child trafficking himself, he serves on the Advisory Board as Secretary, bringing two decades of frontline experience in child protection, community development, and advocacy at national and international levels.

Governance

MANAGEMENT BOARD

The work of Challenging Heights is made possible by a dedicated advisory board working alongside
communities across Ghana to champion children’s rights and break cycles of exploitation. Their guidance, networks,
and oversight strengthen everything we do.
James Kofi Annan

Founder & President

James founded Challenging Heights in 2005 after surviving child trafficking himself at the age of six. Over two decades, he has built the organisation into one of Ghana’s most respected child protection NGOs, receiving international recognition for his advocacy work. A survivor turned advocate, James leads the organisation’s strategic direction, donor partnerships, and national policy engagement. His lived experience of exploitation is the foundation on which Challenging Heights was built — and continues to drive its mission every day.

Cynthia Adjoa Annan

Co-Founder / Administration

Cynthia Adjoa Annan is the co-founder of Challenging Heights and has been central to the organisation’s growth since its establishment in 2005. She oversees administrative operations and plays a key role in ensuring the organisation’s day-to-day functions run smoothly and effectively. Her steady leadership and deep commitment to the mission have been instrumental in building Challenging Heights into the institution it is today.

Enock Dery Pufaa

Programs Director

Enock Dery Pufaa serves as Programs Director at Challenging Heights, providing strategic oversight across all programme areas including rescue, recovery, and prevention. With extensive experience in programme management and child protection, Enock ensures that the organisation’s interventions are evidence-based, well-coordinated, and aligned with international best practices. He plays a central role in donor reporting and programme quality assurance.

Rosemary Afedzie

Senior Manager, Recovery
Rosemary Afedzie leads Challenging Heights’ recovery and rehabilitation programmes, overseeing the holistic care of survivors at the recovery centre. She is also the organisation’s designated Safeguarding Focal Point, responsible for ensuring that robust child protection standards are upheld across all programmes and staff. Her compassionate and professional approach has transformed the lives of countless young people in Challenging Heights’ care.

Stephen Addo

Senior Manager, Rescue & Community Engagement

Stephen Addo leads Challenging Heights’ rescue operations and community engagement work, coordinating field teams responsible for identifying and safely removing children from trafficking and forced labour situations across Ghana. He also manages the organisation’s relationships with communities, local authorities, and law enforcement partners to strengthen child protection systems at the grassroots level.

Gilbert Oduroh

Finance & Compliance Manager
Gilbert Oduroh is responsible for the financial management and compliance functions of Challenging Heights. He oversees budgeting, financial reporting, donor accountability, and statutory compliance, ensuring that the organisation maintains the highest standards of financial integrity. His work underpins the trust that donors and partners place in Challenging Heights’ stewardship of resources.

Elizabeth Ayebeng

Head, Challenging Heights Schools

Elizabeth Ayebeng leads the Challenging Heights School, which provides low-cost, quality education to rescued children and the surrounding community. Through her leadership, she ensures that the school serves as a core pillar of the organization’s mission, equipping students with the essential skills to secure their future independence.

Nancy Arthur

Manager, Challenging Heights Cooperatives CREDIT UNION

Nancy Arthur manages Challenging Heights’ Cooperative Credit Union, which provides livelihood opportunities for families and survivors connected to the organisation’s programmes. By strengthening economic stability at the household level, the credit union plays a vital role in reducing vulnerability to exploitation and ensuring that families can sustain themselves without resorting to child labour.

Dr. Bismark Odum-Sackey

Policy Advisor / Consultant
Dr. Bismark Odum-Sackey serves as Policy Advisor and Consultant to Challenging Heights, providing expert guidance on child protection policy, advocacy strategy, and engagement with national and international institutions. His deep knowledge of the policy landscape helps ensure that Challenging Heights’ voice is heard at the highest levels of government and civil society in Ghana and beyond.
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