Our Board
Kwabena S. Bekoe – CEO
Kwabena has served as President and CEO of African Aid International since founding the organization in 2005. He has held various positions in the fields of social welfare and international development, including in social services for the Government of Ontario. In addition to his career in the public sector, he has also worked with several development organizations in Ghana focusing on the efficient transition from poverty to sustainable development.
Dr. Karim Keita – Clinic Program Director
Dr. A. Karim Keita directs our dental clinics in Guinea, where our team treats over 500 children for free every month. He is a graduate of the Gamal Abdel Nasser Dental School in Conakry, and has extensive experience treating patients in African facilities over the years. In addition to practicing in the Mefragui Dental Clinic and as a dentist in Coyah Hospital, Dr. Keita has directed treatment for the Mercy Ships program in Conakry, Guinea. Dr. Keita also serves as the country officer for Guinea in the Network of African Youth Development (NAYD).
Samuel Cohen – Treasurer
Samuel Cohen is an investment consultant based in Toronto. Mr. Cohen has volunteered with a variety of charitable organizations in the U.S and Canada since 1997, assisting in both fundraising and strategic initiatives. Since 2014 he has directed our African clinics and distribution programs, managing supply purchasing and distribution, as well as donor relations. In 2018 he oversaw the launch of our Oral Health Ontario program which reaches thousands of needy Canadians every month through local shelters and charitable organizations.
Jacob Gryn – Secretary
Mr. Gryn is President and founder of CO4 Computing Inc, a web development company based in Toronto. He is a long-time philanthropist who has been involved in community organizations since beginning his undergraduate studies in 1998. He has served on the boards of various philanthropic and community organizations and volunteered for numerous charitable organizations over the years. Jacob has a Masters degree in Computer Science from York University, specializing in computer vision and a Bachelor’s degree from Ryerson University. As a student, he received numerous awards for his academic and extracurricular activities. His past research has included using computers to automate various processes that simulate vision tasks for the betterment of society. Jacob has managed our website and technology needs since 2015.
Dr Paul Young – Medical Assistance Program Coordinator
Dr Young is a board certified Otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, and the recipient of numerous awards. Dr Young has published numerous scholarly articles in peer reviewed medical journals, and also authored a chapter in a prestigious head and neck textbook. Dr Young maintains a private practice in Amherst NY and also serves as the director of head and neck surgery in both the NYS DOCS and Millard Fillmore Suburban hospitals. He is also a clinical associate professor at SUNY Buffalo where he lectures to medical students, residents, peers and pharmacy students. Dr Young brings invaluable medical knowledge and guidance to our programs assisting West African hospitals and clinics.
