By Nadia Ntiamoah
The growing influence of Ghanaians in American public life has received fresh recognition following the election of Adrian Boafo1 to the United States Congress and the re-election of incumbent Congressman Gabe Amo in the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections.
The twin victories have sparked excitement among Ghanaians in the United States, with the Hagerstown Chapter of the Ghanaian Community USA describing the achievement as a historic moment for the Ghanaian diaspora and a source of inspiration for African immigrant communities.
In a congratulatory message, the community celebrated the two politicians for breaking new ground in American politics, noting that their victories demonstrate how hard work, public service and dedication can create opportunities for people of immigrant backgrounds to participate in the highest levels of governance.
The message specifically recognised Adrian Boafo, who won Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, and Gabe Amo, who secured another term representing Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District.
“Your outstanding victories are a proud moment for Ghanaians, Africans, and all immigrant communities in the United States. You have made history and continue to inspire the next generation that hard work, service, and dedication open doors to greater opportunities,” the statement said.
The community added: “Ghana is proud, Africa is proud, and our community celebrates you. Together we rise, together we achieve.”
Adrian Boafo breaks into Congress after ending four-decade Hoyer era
One of the major developments in the elections was the victory of 32-year-old Adrian Boafo, a Ghanaian-American politician who secured Maryland’s 5th Congressional District seat.
Boafo’s election marks the end of a political era in the district previously represented by veteran Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, who announced his retirement after nearly 45 years in Congress.
The Ghanaian-American emerged victorious after contesting the seat on the Democratic Party ticket, defeating Republican candidate Chris Chaffee in the November 3 election.
Unofficial results reported on November 4 showed Boafo with 187,218 votes, representing 68.5 per cent, against Chaffee’s 84,348 votes, or 30.9 per cent. The results were still subject to the completion of the ballot-counting and certification process.
Boafo’s victory is particularly significant because he succeeds Hoyer, who had represented Maryland’s 5th District since 1981 and served as one of the most influential figures in the US House of Representatives.
His journey into politics began at the local level. He previously served on the Bowie City Council, including as Mayor Pro Tem, before winning election to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2022 and taking office in 2023.
He also worked on Steny Hoyer’s congressional campaign before launching his own bid for the seat.
Boafo was born in Arlington, Virginia, and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. His parents emigrated from Ghana to the United States, making his election an important moment for the Ghanaian-American community.
His campaign to succeed Hoyer attracted significant political attention, particularly after the outgoing congressman endorsed him as his preferred successor.
Gabe Amo wins another term in Rhode Island
While Boafo prepares to enter Congress for the first time, fellow Ghanaian-American politician Gabriel Amo, popularly known as Gabe Amo, has secured another mandate from voters in Rhode Island.
Amo defeated Republican challenger Kellie Keenan and independent candidate Pedro DeSouza to retain his seat in the state’s 1st Congressional District.
According to Rhode Island Current, Amo secured approximately 66.5 per cent of the vote, while Keenan received 29.3 per cent and DeSouza obtained 4.1 per cent.
The Associated Press called the race for Amo shortly after polls closed on November 3, giving the incumbent a second full term in the House of Representatives.
Amo’s political journey to Congress began in 2023, when he won a special election to become the first Black person elected to represent Rhode Island in the US Congress.
He subsequently secured his first full term in the November 2024 general election and has now won another mandate in the 2026 midterms.
Before entering Congress, Amo served in the administration of former President Joe Biden as a special assistant to the President and deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
