A renowned Ghanaian chef named Ebenezer Smith, has found himself in legal trouble. He has been arrested and is currently being held at the La Police Station for allegedly forging a Guinness World Record for marathon cooking.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, Smith proudly presented a certificate claiming himself as the new world record holder for a cook-a-thon that lasted a staggering 820 hours and 25 minutes. This marathon cooking session took place from February 1 to March 6, 2024. To celebrate his achievement, Smith organized a star-studded event that featured popular performers like Praye Tietia, Yaw Tog, Amerado, Kofi Jamar, and the Asakaa Boys.
At the press briefing, held at the prestigious La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Smith expressed his profound gratitude and humbleness. He addressed the audience, saying, “Today is a day that will forever be etched in my memory. I am incredibly honored and humbled to stand before you as the Guinness World Record holder.”
Prior to the press conference, Smith took to social media to announce the event, sharing his excitement and inviting the general public and media to witness the revelation of his results from the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon achieved by an individual. The event was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
However, the authenticity of Smith’s certificate and claim was called into question. The PR Executive for Guinness World Records, Alina Polianskaya, confirmed to the BBC that Smith’s certificate was not valid and that he does not hold the title of Guinness World Record holder. Polianskaya clarified that the true record holder for the longest cooking marathon (individual) is Alan Fisher from Ireland, who accomplished an impressive feat of 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds in Matsue, Shimane, Japan, from September 28 to October 3, 2023.
The revelation of Smith’s alleged forgery has sent shockwaves through the culinary community and the public at large. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty, integrity, and verification when it comes to record-breaking achievements. Organizations like Guinness World Records have stringent protocols in place to ensure the credibility and legitimacy of such accomplishments.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the repercussions of Smith’s actions and the impact on his reputation within the culinary world remain to be seen. The incident highlights the significance of maintaining the integrity of record-keeping systems and the consequences of attempting to deceive the public and stake a false claim to a prestigious title.
