The Chefs Association of Ghana has clarified that Chef Ebenezer Smith is not a registered member of their organization.
This announcement follows a statement from the Guinness World Records (GWR) indicating it was unaware of Smith’s attempt to break the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
The General Secretary of the Chefs Association, Mr. Agbovi in an interview with GH One TV stated, “You can call him a chef because he is a professional, but he is not a registered member of the Chefs Association of Ghana.”
He added that the Association only learned of Smith’s cook-a-thon through social media and was alarmed to see their logo on Smith’s attire. Despite efforts to have Smith register as a member, he did not comply, leading to the Association’s decision not to promote his attempt on their platform.
Regarding the Guinness World Record controversy, Mr. Agbovi expressed disappointment over the fake certificate, saying, “It’s unfortunate that it’s a fake Guinness World Records certificate. It was heartbreaking to see a colleague chef come out with a fake certificate, and we don’t know if it’s his own doing. We have not been able to speak with him yet.”
Smith’s cooking marathon took place from February 1 to March 6, 2024, at the Amadia Shopping Centre in Spintex, Accra. He claimed to have cooked for 820 hours, aiming for 1,200 hours initially. On Tuesday, Smith held a press conference in Accra, asserting he was the new record holder.
However, GWR confirmed to Graphic Online that they had no knowledge of Smith’s attempt and had not received any evidence for assessment. GWR PR Manager, Madalyn Bielfeld, stated, “To confirm, he does not hold the GWR title and the certificate is not real and has not come from Guinness World Records. We have not received an application from him for this attempt.”
The longest cooking marathon record is held by Alan Fisher of Ireland, who achieved 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds in Matsue, Shimane, Japan, from September 28 to October 3, 2023.
GWR declined to comment on whether it would seek legal remedies against Smith for his false record claim.
Mr. Agbovi emphasized the importance of proper registration and adherence to guidelines for anyone attempting significant culinary feats to ensure authenticity and credibility within the professional culinary community.
Source: Graphiconline