History & Composition
About Us
The Ghanaian Association of Ottawa (GAO) got its beginnings in the 1970's when a group of Ghanaian students and young professionals, resident in the NCR, came together for the purpose of forming an organization that will cater to their needs and interests. The association has been through both great and turbulent periods.Today the Ghanaian Association of Ottawa (GAO) is a non-profit community organization representing Ghanaians residing in the National Capital Region of Canada (NCR) Ottawa.GAO is committed to organizing Ghanaians socially, culturally and democratically in order to promote the collective needs of Ghanaians in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
The National Capital Region (NCR) is currently home to over 1000 Ghanaians and Ghanaian-Canadians, many of whom are employed in the public sector, high tech and healthcare industries. There is also a significant student population who transition yearly into the various professions in and across Canada . Ottawa is also a home to the Ghanaian High Commission.
Welcome to The Ghana Association of Ottawa
The GAO is committed to organizing Ghanaians socially, culturally and democratically in order to promote the collective needs of Ghanaians in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Meet Our Dedicated
Executives
PRESIDENT
Peter Affum is the President of the Ghanaian Association and a seasoned Health and Safety professional with extensive experience in Construction, Industrial and Infrastructure development.
He is graduate from Accra Technical University in Ghana and Fanshawe College in Canada. Professionally, Peter is a graduate of the Alberta Construction Association Safety School, the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), Ottawa, and is a Certified National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO). He is also a Certified Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), reflecting his commitment to excellence and leadership in occupational health and safety.
Peter has held senior safety leadership roles, including Safety Manager at Agrodrain Systems Limited and Urbandale Construction. He currently serves as a Safety Manager for the North Warning System, supporting radar security and aerospace operations across Canada, Greenland, and the North Pole.
Before assuming the role of President, Peter served as the Event Director for the Ghanaian Association (GAO), where he played a key role in planning and executing major community events and fostering unity within the Ghanaian community.
As President, Peter brings a strong blend of professional expertise, and community passion, with a vision focused on growth, inclusiveness, youth development, and sustainable community advancement.
President of GAO -Mr. Peter Affum
VICE PRESIDENT
My name is Obed Boateng, and I am currently serving as the Vice President of our Community Association. In addition to my role here, I am a PhD candidate at the Sprott School of Business, Carleton University pursuing Finance & Entrepreneurship and a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP).
Professionally, I am the Regional Manager for Black Community Business Development at TD. In this capacity, I act as a trusted liaison between TD and the Black community. My work is deeply rooted in advancing financial education, economic empowerment, and providing access to tailored banking solutions that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of Black individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
With a strong understanding of our community and a relationship-driven approach, I collaborate closely with colleagues across Personal Banking, Business Banking, and TD Wealth. Together, we strive to offer meaningful financial advice and services that foster long-term growth and wealth creation.
Beyond my professional commitments, I am passionately involved in our community. I actively support and volunteer with local grassroots organizations, dedicating my time and effort to initiatives that make a positive impact.
I am looking forward to continuing to serve our community and contribute to its growth and success.
Vice President of GAO -Mr. Obed Boateng
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Jacob Kanyib Bilawokit is a public service professional with extensive experience in government administration, financial advisory services, and community leadership. He has worked with the Government of Canada since January 2019 and currently serves as a Business Tax Incentive Consultant at the Canada Revenue Agency. He previously worked as a Compensation Advisory and a Learning Solutions Analyst at the Federal Government of Canada.
Before joining the federal public service, Jacob worked in the financial services sector, with experience in stock brokerage, debt consolidation, and recoveries at TD Waterhouse and the Bank of Nova Scotia.
Jacob Kanyib is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in French and Information Studies from the University of Ghana, a Master’s degree in French from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, where he served as Vice President of the Graduate Students’ Association. He also holds a Diploma in Accounting from McMaster University and has completed professional certification programs with the IMF and the World Bank.
Jacob is a Union Steward with the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and is fluently bilingual in English and French. He previously worked as a French–English translator at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre in Accra. He brings strong leadership, governance, and public service experience to his work and community involvement.
Director of Finance -Jacob Kanyib Bilawokit
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Samuel Hanson Hagan serves as the Director of Membership for the Ghanaian Association of Ottawa (GAO), where he is committed to building a strong, inclusive, and well-connected Ghanaian community in the National Capital Region.
Samuel is a graduate of the Technology Innovation Management (TIM) Program at Carleton University, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Program Management Professional (PgMP) trainer, with a strong passion for leadership development, capacity building, and professional advancement. He brings a strategic and people-centered approach to community service, combining structured thinking with a deep appreciation for collaboration and collective growth.
In his role as Director of Membership, Samuel focuses on growing and sustaining GAO’s membership base, strengthening member engagement, and improving onboarding and communication processes to ensure that every member feels welcomed, informed, and valued. He works closely with GAO leadership to develop initiatives that encourage active participation and foster unity across diverse groups within the community.
Samuel is particularly passionate about empowering youth, professionals, and families through knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and community-driven programs. He believes that a thriving association is built on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility.
Through his service at GAO, Samuel remains dedicated to promoting cultural pride, professional excellence, and meaningful connections that contribute to the long-term strength and sustainability of the Ghanaian community in Ottawa.
Director Of Membership – Mr. Samuel Hanson Hagan
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Edem Dovlo is a dedicated community leader with over seven years of service to the Ghanaian Association of Ottawa (GAO). Her contributions have included coordinating volunteers and expertly organizing vendors for major events, such as the highly successful GhanaFest 2025. Passionate about community empowerment and international cooperation, Edem focuses on creating systemic innovations for sustainable change. Professionally, she is an engineer leading the Sensor R&D group at Nanometrics and serves as a part-time professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Ottawa.
Director At Large – Dr. Edem Dovolo
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
I am a data analyst with Correctional Service Canada, where I specialize in data quality management, corporate reporting, and operational analysis. In my role supporting the Structured Intervention Unit (SIU) and the OBS/LTE‑SIU data environment, I focus on identifying data quality issues, developing monitoring tools, and transforming complex information into insights that support strategic decision‑making across the organization.
I work closely with partners across CSC to develop and implement Power BI reports, map business processes, and support policy and program development. My work includes ensuring the effective rollout of reporting tools, maintaining oversight of data integrity, and contributing to national commitments through analysis, consultation, and clear documentation.
I hold a Master’s in Public Affairs from Accra Business School, an MComm from Carleton University with a focus on social marketing and media studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and History from the University of Ghana. With a French language profile of CCA, I bring a bilingual, analytical, and collaborative approach to every project I support.
Director At Large – Ben Awuku Offei
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Mr. Reynolds Agyapong is a Project Accountant with the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC). Before joining CAGBC, he held several finance roles at Cargill Ghana Limited, a multinational organization operating in more than 65 countries. His positions at Cargill included Manager, Plant & Management Accounting; Treasury Accountant; and Sustainability Finance Lead.
He holds an MBA in Accounting and Finance and a BSc in Banking and Finance from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). He also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Trade and Foreign Investment Law from the University of Ottawa, as well as a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Wisconsin International University College, Ghana. Reynolds is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®).
Reynolds brings to this role a strong leadership background, having previously served as a University Council Member, Graduate School Board Member, Development Committee Member, Security Committee Member, and Library Committee Member. He has also held national student leadership roles, including NUGS Audit & Central Committee Member and President of GRASAG UPSA. Reynolds is a proud alumnus of Opoku Ware School.
Director At Large – Mr. Reynolds Agyapong
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS
Richard Abakah-Akumah , known as Richard Best on stage serves as the Director of Events & Social Programs at the Ghanaian Association of Ottawa, where he leads the planning and delivery of the Association’s flagship events and community engagement initiatives. He is passionate about creating impactful experiences that celebrate Ghanaian heritage, strengthen unity, and connect the diaspora across generations in the National Capital Region.
A Senior Digital Marketing and Growth Strategist, Richard is the Founder of Digivations, an AI-powered marketing consultancy, and Green Clean & BBQ Shine, an eco-friendly residential and specialty cleaning service. He brings strong expertise in strategy, innovation, and data-driven execution, and has been instrumental in elevating GAO’s brand, communications, and premium events such as the Ghana Independence Day Gala and GhanaFest.
Richard is deeply committed to diaspora development, youth empowerment, and building sustainable platforms that promote culture, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
Director of Events & Social Programs- Richard Best
SECRETARY
Cynthia Kumah is a doctoral student at Carleton University. She holds an MA in Development Management and a BA in Human Resource Management.
As the founder and director of the NGO C-Trust Foundation in Ghana, she facilitates environmental, social, advocacy, and human rights activities. The foundation plays a critical role in women's empowerment, protecting women's and girls' rights, developing society, improving communities, and promoting citizen participation.
Cynthia enjoys socializing, networking, participating in community work, and volunteering. She agrees with Malcolm Gladwell's popular quote: "If you work hard enough and assert yoursel, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires.”
Secretary of GAO -Miss Cynthia Kumah