Image caption: Chef Failat
BREAKING: Guinness World Records dismisses Ghanaian chef’s 227-hour cook-a-thon, mum on Tope Maggie
Yinka ADETUNJI
Guinness World Records has turned down Ghanaian chef Failatu Abdul-Razak’s attempt to break the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
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This is according to a news report by Vanguard News.
Failatu cooked nonstop for over 227 hours in January, but failed because she didn’t follow the regulations for rest breaks.
The coordinator, Kafui Dey, announced the failed attempt, which had received broad endorsements from Ghana’s military, politicians, and celebrities.
“A statement from the Records Management Team cited a violation of the rest break rules, resulting in an unsuccessful attempt.”
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Chef Abdul-Razak thanked her fans in spite of the setback, stating that she doesn’t take their important role in her path for granted.
Meanwhile, for Temitope Adebayo, the Nigerian born-chef, who earlier attempted a 200-hour cook-a-thon in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, which he completed on November 18, GWR has remained silent even though it had also received evidence of his attempt earlier on.
Speaking with a member of Chef Tope Maggie team in February, ogbomosoinsightonline.com was informed they were still awaiting the verdict of the body.
But confirming the receipt of Chef Tope’s evidence on December 1, the record office of GWR, in a correspondence stated, “We are writing to you to confirm that your evidence for the record Longest cooking marathon (individual) has been received and has now been assigned to the correct Records Manager who will make a full assessment.
“If the record is approved you will receive an email of confirmation and will be eligible for a complimentary Record Holder Certificate. If we need further details from you or we are unable to approve the record we will contact you by email.”
Appreciating the effort of Chef Tope GWR said the verification would be thoroughly done nonetheless disclosing the minimum period of assessment is three months.
“We appreciate that you are eager to receive feedback on your claim and can assure you that we will be back in touch as soon as possible. Every record attempt is assessed in detail by a Records Manager who will review each piece of evidence you have sent in.
“Due to the vast quantity of applications we receive, standard applications are reviewed within 12 weeks (3 months) of receipt of evidence. If you have purchased a Business Solution the timelines may be different.”
Recall in January 2024, Ghanaian chef, Failatu Abdul-Rasak, popularly known as Faila, cooked for 227 hours in a bid to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR).
Chef Faila began her remarkable attempt on New Year’s Day at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale.
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On Wednesday, the Ghanaian cook ended her attempt at the 227th hour in front of a crowd of supporters and fellow Ghanaians.
In a social media post, Chef Faila appreciated everyone “who has been by my side on this journey”.
She also said her victory is “dedicated to God and Ghana”.
“Now, it’s time for us to rejoice and jubilate. This victory is dedicated to God and Ghana!🇬🇭 Thank you all, m’pagya!” she wrote on X.
“Allow me to borrow a part of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s words: “At long last, the battle has ended.” I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with excitement and joy. You’ve been by my side on this journey from the very first minute to 227 hours.”
The Guinness World Records organisers have yet to release an official statement regarding Faila’s attempt.
Throughout the attempt, Faila received support from several Ghanaian celebrities, including former Black Star footballers Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s vice president, announced the attempt on Facebook and donated 30,000 Ghanaian cedis (£1,981) to the chef. Faila is hoping to break the world record held by Irish chef Alan Fisher, who cooked for 119 hours and 57 minutes.
