Ghanaian chef Ebenezer Smith, known as Millennium Chef Smith, has been arrested and he’s been held at La Police Station for allegedly fabricating a Guinness World Record claim for marathon cooking.
The incident unfolded following a press conference held at La Palm Hotel on July 2, 2024, where Chef Smith declared himself the new record holder for a cook-a-thon, supported by a certificate as evidence. According to his assertion, he set a purported new record of 802 hours and 25 minutes, spanning from February 1 to March 6, 2024.
“I am deeply honored to announce my achievement as the new world record holder for the cook-a-thon,” he stated during the conference.
The certificate presented by Smith stated: “The longest cooking marathon (individual) is 802 hours 25 minutes and was achieved by Ebenezer Smith (Ghanaian) in Spintex, Accra, Ghana, from 1 February to 6 March, 2024.”
To celebrate the conclusion of his alleged marathon, a high-profile event was hosted featuring entertainers such as Praye Tietia, Yaw Tog, Amerado, Kofi Jamar, and the Asakaa Boys.
However, Alina Polianskaya, Public Relations Executive for Guinness World Records, refuted Smith’s claims in an interview with the BBC, stating, “No, this is entirely false. He does not hold the GWR title, and that certificate is not issued by us.”
She clarified, “The current legitimate record for the longest cooking marathon (individual) stands at 119 hours 57 minutes 16 seconds, achieved by Alan Fisher (Ireland) in Matsue, Shimane, Japan, from 28 September to 3 October 2023.”
Following the dissemination of his unverified claims and the display of the certificate, Smith was taken into custody by the police.
The actual record for the longest continuous cooking session is held by Irish chef Alan Fisher, who logged 119 hours and 57 minutes, surpassing previous achievements.
