Chef Smith
Ghanaian chef, Ebenezer Smith, also known as Chef Smith, has admitted to forging the Guinness World Record (GWR) certificate that he presented to the public as having been awarded to him by the ultimate record-breaking facts & achievements website.
The shocking revelation has raised concerns among Ghanaians about his integrity and the lengths some people will go for fame and money.
In a viral video, Chef Smith can be seen on his knees, flanked by two crying women, issuing a heartfelt apology to the nation.
“I have committed a great sin and I don’t even deserve to live anymore, but please forgive me and my entire family. I have sinned against the entire nation,” he pleaded.
Chef Smith held a cooking marathon from February 1 to March 6, 2024, at Amadia Shopping Centre at Spintex in Accra.
The event drew a massive crowd and significant media attention.
Fans cheered him on, and local businesses excitedly supported the event, seeing it as a historic feat.
According to reports, his marathon lasted an incredible 802 hours and 25 minutes.
On July 2, 2024, Chef Smith held a press conference at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel to announce that he has been confirmed as the new record-holder for the longest cooking marathon.
However, Guinness World Records (GWR) denied his claim, noting that they had never received an application from him.
The GWR stated that the certificate he presented to the world was not recognised by them and that the official record still belonged to Alan Fisher from Ireland.
GWR clarified, “The current and true record holder is: The longest cooking marathon (individual) is 119 hr 57 min 16 sec and was achieved by Alan Fisher (Ireland) in Matsue, Shimane, Japan, from September 28 to October 3, 2023.”
Amadia Shopping Centre, which sponsored Chef Smith’s Cook-a-thon, arrested him at the press conference.
According to the Amadia Shopping Centre management, they had a contract with Chef Smith to support his efforts but were ignorant of the press conference and certificate confirmation.
They subsequently requested the police to investigate him.
Furthermore, the Chefs Association of Ghana disowned Chef Smith, stating that he was not a registered member despite using their logo during the event, and that they had nothing to do with him.
In his apology video, Chef Smith ultimately revealed that, while he applied to break the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, Guinness World Records did not approve his application.
“I registered but I wasn’t approved. I just wanted an opportunity to show the world the talent God has given me. I wanted the opportunity to show the world my passion for cooking and get fame. I am sorry,” he tearfully explained.
He also apologised to several notable personalities in the country, including President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former President Mahama and his wife Lordina Mahama, and Nana Boro, and pleaded for their forgiveness.
He expressed profound regret for his conduct and the disgrace he caused among his fans, sponsors, and the entire country. Chef Smith has since gone viral on social media.
In an interview with Accra-based GHOne TV, he stated, “Guinness World Records have a lot of certificates on their online pages, so I just picked one and edited it with my details.”