World Cup: Ablakwa promises Akple meal for UK High Commissioner if England beat Ghana 

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has promised to host the British High Commissioner to a traditional Akple meal if England defeat Ghana at the World Cup.

Mr Ablakwa made the light-hearted pledge after hosting the British High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Christian Rogg, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, describing their discussions as productive and forward-looking.

“At the conclusion of our extremely fruitful deliberations, I promised to compensate the distinguished High Commissioner when the Black Stars defeat England at the World Cup,” he said, adding that the delicious meal of Akple and Fetri Desti would be prepared personally in his “beloved North Tongu.”

The minister explained that the engagement focused on strengthening Ghana–UK relations and aligning priority areas for 2026 with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama. He said both sides reviewed what he described as “increasingly buoyant bilateral relations” and agreed to deepen cooperation across key sectors.

According to Mr Ablakwa, Ghana and the United Kingdom have begun processes to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. “Our engagement highlighted multiple sectors for deeper cooperation including security, trade, job creation, health, education, governance and constitutional review,” he noted.

Beyond diplomacy and development, the minister said he raised concerns about the welfare of Ghanaians working in the UK, particularly health professionals.

“I called for a government-to-government framework for the protection and improved conditions of particularly Ghanaian health practitioners who work and aspire to work in the UK,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa also made a case for easing requirements faced by Ghanaians studying or working in Britain.

“I made a special appeal for Ghana to be exempted from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the required fees,” he stated, arguing that English has long been Ghana’s medium of instruction.

The minister’s culinary promise drew attention online, with many noting that Akple and Fetri Detsi are signature dishes of the Volta Region.

Akple is a firm staple made from fermented corn and cassava dough, typically served with Fetri Detsi, a richly flavoured okra-based soup prepared with palm oil, fish or meat.

For Mr Ablakwa, the gesture blended diplomacy with culture.