Ghanaian Chef, Ebenezer Smith, popularly known as Chef Smith, whose recent Guinness World Record attempt has transformed into a murky scandal has offered an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the quick stunt he attempted.

He declared himself the new Guinness World Record title holder for the longest individual cooking marathon, claiming to have achieved a time of 802 hours and 25 minutes.

Chef Smith made the announcement during a press conference at La Palm Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

It was later realised that Chef Smith sought to pull a fast one on the public after Guinness World Records (GWR) refuted Chef Smith’s claim of holding the longest cooking marathon title, declaring the certificate he presented as fake.

Madalyn Bielfield, the PR Manager for Guinness World Records, confirmed that the current record holder is Alan Fisher from Ireland, not Chef Smith.

“No, this is not true at all. He does not hold the GWR title and that is not our certificate,” Bielfield stated, affirming the doubts raised by many regarding the authenticity of the certificate displayed by Chef Smith.

Following the embarrassment, Chef Smith has publicly apologised to Ghanaians, making particular mention of the former First Lady Lordina Mahama, the president, among others, following the controversy surrounding his Guinness World Record attempt.

In a video making waves on social media, Chef Smith, who was on his knees wailing, admitted to the evil act he sought to commit against the entire country.

"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 said in Twi.

According to him, he went ahead to attempt breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, albeit he did not get approval from the Guinness World Record.

"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 said amidst tears.

Chef Smith was arrested for fraud amidst the controversy but has been released.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Chef Smith is not to be a registered member of the Chefs Association of Ghana.

This disclosure came from Peter Agbovi, the General Secretary of the association, further complicating Chef Smith's standing in the culinary community.

While acknowledging Chef Smith's professional status, Agbovi clarified, "You can call him a chef because he is a professional, but he is not a registered member of the Chefs Association of Ghana."