The sole Ghanaian restaurant owner in Boston boldly proclaimed today that Ghana would emerge victorious against England, boasting about the country’s renowned national dish, jollof rice. Will Yakah, 30, extended an open invitation to the multitude of Three Lions enthusiasts to visit his eatery, RedRed, for a taste of Ghanaian cuisine and a refreshing beer.
Expressing his anticipation for the upcoming match between England and Ghana at Boston stadium in Foxborough, Will shared his excitement at the prospect of facing England in the World Cup, emphasizing Ghana’s undefeated record in the second group stage matches of previous tournaments. He humorously juxtaposed the popularity of jollof rice in Ghana with the English footballer Declan Rice, even though he plays for Arsenal, a favored team among Ghanaians.
Both teams, having won their initial matches, are set to clash with the guarantee of securing a spot in the knockout stages for the victor. Will’s restaurant, located in Nubian Square, Roxbury, offers a variety of traditional dishes like waakye, kelewele, and puff puff amidst murals honoring civil rights icons.
Highlighting the strong ties between Ghana and the Premier League, Will mentioned Ghanaian players in prominent English clubs like Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. He also noted the influence of former Ghanaian star Michael Essien on Chelsea fans. Born in Accra, Will moved to the US twelve years ago and co-owns the restaurant, which has been serving customers for three years.
While Will operates a food stand at the Fifa Fanfest in central Boston, restrictions limit him to serving food only, as Fifa controls beverage sales at the event. However, patrons can enjoy more affordable drinks at his restaurant compared to the Fanfest. Worcester, a nearby town, houses the second largest Ghanaian community in the United States.
By positioning the restaurant as a hub for Ghanaian culture and cuisine, Will aims to unite football fans and food enthusiasts in celebrating the upcoming clash between Ghana and England.