Emotional Motherland Visit -U.S. Congressman Pays Maiden Visit to Liberia

By George C Flomo 

MONROVIA – United States Representative Gabe Ano of Rhode Island is paying his first visit to Liberia, describing it a “deeply personal homecoming,” as he particularly reconnects with Maryland County, whence his maternal family hails.

Rep. Ano, who serves Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, arrived in Liberia with U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, a senior Democrat and longtime supporter of Liberia.

Both appeared on the Okay Morning Rush program during their visit, reflecting on Liberia-U.S. relations, immigration, and their personal ties to Liberia.

“This is my first trip back to Liberia as an adult, and it is profoundly meaningful,” Ano said. “My father was born in Ghana, but importantly, my mother hails from Maryland County. To stand here, fully conscious of my roots, is a moment of pride. I am grateful to be your son.”

Born in 1987 in Providence, Rhode Island, Ano has spent most of his career in public service, including roles in the Obama and Biden White Houses and Rhode Island state government.

In Congress, he serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee.

He is also the vice-ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, where he hopes to elevate Liberia’s interests on the global stage.

During an interview, Ano stressed his desire to build meaningful ties with Liberia, especially with Maryland County. He encouraged Liberians, particularly his extended family and local community members, to connect through official channels and strengthen diaspora engagement.

Reflecting on immigration challenges faced by Liberians in the U.S., Ano pledged to advocate for fairness in Congress.

“We must ensure that Africa, and Liberia in particular, are not treated differently from other parts of the world. Immigration policies should recognize cultural, family, and economic ties,” he said.

For Senator Jack Reed, the trip marked a chance to fulfill an invitation from President Joseph Boakai and to see firsthand the country that many of his constituents in Rhode Island call home.

Reed has long championed Liberian causes in Washington, including securing immigration protections such as Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Liberians.

“There is no greater friend of the Liberian people in the U.S. Congress than Senator Jack Reed,” Ano said of his colleague. “His mentorship to me and his decades of advocacy for Liberians have been invaluable.”

The two lawmakers met with President Joseph Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, national security officials, and representatives of civil society organizations.

They also visited Plan International projects outside Monrovia and historic sites, including Providence Baptist Church.

Senator Reed welcomed Liberia’s election to the UN Security Council, calling it “a great opportunity for Liberia to articulate the challenges of developing nations and to be a voice for Africa.”

Rep. Ano echoed this view, noting that Liberia’s presence at the Council “is a net positive for advancing global dialogue and reflects American leadership in partnership with Liberia.”

Before concluding his visit, Ano left a heartfelt message of hope for Liberians: “The Rhode Island state motto is ‘Hope,’ and I find that no people embody hope more than Liberians, who have endured and persevered through so much. I am honored to be born of a Liberian mother, and with that comes a responsibility—to represent my constituents in the U.S., but also to carry forward the story of resilience that Liberia represents.”

Upon returning to the U.S., Ano said he would brief his colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee and engage the Liberian-American community in Rhode Island to discuss his experiences in Liberia.

“This is not just a trip to be put in a scrapbook,” Senator Reed added. “This is about building stronger lines of communication and ensuring Liberia continues to have a partner in the United States.”