Claim of Record-Breaking Feat
A Ghanaian chef, Ebenezer Smith, who claimed to have broken the world record for the longest non-stop cooking by an individual, has been arrested following a dispute with his sponsor. Smith announced on Tuesday that he had cooked continuously for 802 hours and 25 minutes, over a month, and presented a certificate he claimed was from Guinness World Records (GWR).
GWR denies certification
However, a spokesperson from GWR said on Wednesday that Smith’s claims were “not true” and the certificate was “not our certificate.” GWR further explained to a Ghanaian media outlet that they were unaware of his attempt and had not received any application from him.
Arrest and dispute
Smith was arrested by police shortly after his announcement due to a dispute with his sponsor, Amadia Shopping Centre, Spintex, in Accra, where he conducted his cooking marathon in March. The sponsor accused him of breaching a contractual agreement by not informing them about the alleged confirmation of the award.
The case has shocked and disappointed many Ghanaians, with widespread coverage and social media reactions following Smith’s initial claim. The chef remains in police custody and has not yet been charged or commented on the accusations. His attempt earlier this year garnered support from several local celebrities.
Recent record attempts
Several Ghanaians have recently attempted to break Guinness World Records, including media personality Afua Asantewaa Aduonum, who tried to set the longest singing marathon last year, and chef Failatu Abdul Razak, who attempted the longest cooking marathon in Tamale.
Current record holder
GWR stated that the current record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual is held by Ireland’s Alan Fisher, who cooked for 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds from September 28 to October 3 last year. The previous record was held by Nigerian chef Hilda Bacci at 93 hours and 11 minutes, which caused a sensation in Nigeria with various record attempts.