Akwaaba from RI's Congressman Gabe Amo

From West Africa to the World Stage.

As Rhode Island prepares for soccer’s world stage in 2026, one historic development is putting the Ocean State in the global spotlight: Ghana has selected Rhode Island as its official base camp.

In Episode 7 of the Rhode Island Summer of Soccer podcast, host Joe Kayata sits down with Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo — a Pawtucket native, Rhode Island’s first Black member of Congress, and the son of West African immigrants with family roots in Ghana and Liberia — to reflect on what this moment means personally and statewide.

From economic impact and international visibility to culture, hospitality, and representation for young Rhode Islanders, the conversation highlights why this summer is about more than soccer. It’s about welcoming the world — and showing what makes Rhode Island special, one team at a time.