Chelsea’s Reece James Seen Shopping with ‘Ghana Must Go’ Bags in Viral Photo, Fans React

Chelsea’s Reece James Seen Shopping with ‘Ghana Must Go’ Bags in Viral Photo, Fans React

  • Chelsea captain Reece James sparked buzz on social media after being spotted with ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags
  • Fans, particularly from Ghana and Nigeria, flooded the comments section with lively reactions to his choice of shopping bags
  • James will now shift focus to guiding the Blues back to winning form after their setback against Crystal Palace

Reece James has sparked lively conversations online after being spotted shopping with the famous 'Ghana Must Go' bag.

The 25-year-old, who is never shy of making bold fashion statements, posed outside a store in a chic outfit.

Reece James, ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags, Chelsea, Premier League, Crystal Palace, West Ham United.
Reece James seen shopping with ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags. Photo credit: @reece/Instagram, @NoteSphere/X and Eddie Keogh/Getty.
Source: Getty Images

Reece James turns heads with 'Ghana Must Go' bags

But while his clothes looked sharp as always, it was the checked nylon tote in his hands that stole the spotlight.

James proudly held the zipped bag with a grin, and the picture quickly spread across social media.

For Ghanaians and Nigerians in particular, the sight was both funny and nostalgic, as the bag carries deep cultural associations. Fans filled the comment section with witty reactions:

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@omisave10 wrote:

"Ghana must go don get levels sha."

@BigXuadz shared a lighthearted joke:

"See as baba just mount 2 “Ghana must go” bag😂😂"

@humble_bear_ chimed in:

"Ghana is breaking boundaries."

@biggggstunna claimed:

"Ghana Must Go bag go top price now, abeg make I rush go buy am now."

@MalatiGunner shared a similar sentiment:

"U go do saaa 'Ghana must go' bag will be expensive."

@Mai_kelz summed up with a playful tease:

"James, you have no idea what you've done for the football community with this picture. 😂😂😂"

According to the BBC, the bag got its nickname in Nigeria during the 1980s, when undocumented migrants, mostly from Ghana, were expelled.

Many carried their belongings in the now-iconic red and blue checkered bags as they fled.

Interestingly, the bag has earned different nicknames worldwide. In Germany, it is called the “Türkenkoffer” (Turkish suitcase).

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In the United States, it is known as the “Chinatown tote”. In Guyana, it goes by the name “Guyanese Samsonite”.

In other places, it is simply referred to as the “Refugee Bag”.

Reece James, Cole Palmer, Chelsea, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, Crystal Palace.
Reece James and Cole Palmer interact during Chelsea's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 17, 2025. Photo by Darren Walsh.
Source: Getty Images

Reece James eyes success with Chelsea

Away from the fun chatter surrounding his shopping trip, James is preparing for a big season with Chelsea.

The defender helped the Blues close last term on a high, lifting back-to-back trophies, and he believes more success lies ahead.

“This season we are going to be ambitious,” he told the club’s website.
“We’re in a good position. We want to compete at the highest level and win the competitions we’re in. We’re preparing the best we can.”

Chelsea, however, opened their Premier League campaign with a disappointing draw against Crystal Palace.

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James will be eager to rally his teammates when they meet West Ham United on Friday, May 22, as the Blues search for their first victory of the season.

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Seven stylish Ghanaian footballers

Earlier, YEN.com.gh showcased seven of the most stylish Ghanaian footballers making waves right now.

Today, many of these stars are carving out unique fashion identities and growing loyal fan bases on platforms like Instagram, where they flaunt everything from luxury fits to glimpses of their everyday lives.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe avatar

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.

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