Renowned Ghanaian Chef Ebenezer Smith, popularly known as Chef Smith, has been detained by the Ghana Police Service shortly after claiming a new Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon.
The arrest took place just before Chef Smith was to address the media in a scheduled press conference at La Palm Royal Beach.
According to his manager, Benny, a group, including musician Nana Boroo, confronted the team with claims of prior support for Chef Smith during his marathon cooking session.
“We were preparing to go live for our press conference at La Palm Royal Beach when some individuals, including Nana Boroo, approached us. They claimed to have been part of Chef Smith’s original support team during the Cook-a-thon,” Benny explained in an interview with Hitz FM.
The group insisted on a private conversation with Chef Smith, which led to a dispute as Benny suggested discussing the matter in the reception area.
The situation intensified when Nana Boroo demanded to talk with Chef Smith in their car, a proposal the management did not accept.
A journalist present at the event described the scene: “There was a sudden commotion, and we were pressured to leave the room by the management team. Chef Smith abruptly exited, and we noticed the presence of police and soldiers. The entire building was secured. Nana Boroo claimed his removal from Chef Smith’s management team violated their agreement, resulting in the arrest.”
Chef Smith is currently detained at the La Police Station in Accra, with details of the charges against him still unclear.
Chef Smith completed his marathon cooking session on March 6, 2023, after 820 hours of continuous cooking. During a press conference on July 2, 2024, at La Palm Beach Hotel, he announced his accomplishment.
A banner at the venue proclaimed: “Press Conference. Unveiling the New World Cook-a-Thon Record Holder. Millennium Chef Smith from Ghana with an incredible 802 hours, 25 minutes to dethrone Irish King, Alan Fisher.”
Despite Chef Smith’s declaration, the Guinness World Records official website continues to recognize Alan Fisher as the current record holder, with a time of 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds, raising questions about the validity of Chef Smith’s claim.
The unfolding situation has cast a shadow over Chef Smith’s achievement, leaving many to await further details on the legal implications and the final verification of his Cook-a-Thon record.