“I Believed I Was Supporting A Friend In A Legitimate Endeavour” – Chef Smith’s Assistant Apologizes
Leticia Martekie Sankah, the Chef Assistant to the embattled Ghanaian chef at the centre of the Guinness World Record brouhaha, Chef Smith, has apologised for her involvement in the fraudulent act.
In a post shared on Facebook, Leticia Martekie Sankah explained that she “was unaware of the fraudulent intentions and believed” she was only “supporting a friend in a legitimate endeavour.”
According to her, she intended to “showcase my culinary skills and support someone I trusted.”
She however admitted her actions contributed to the situation and takes full responsibility for her actions.
“I now understand that my actions contributed to the situation. I take full responsibility for my part and assure you that I have learned from this experience.
I regret any harm and disappointment caused to my loved ones and appreciate their support.
If there’s anything specific I can do to make amends, please let me know.”
On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, Chef Smith during a press conference held at La Palm Hotel in Accra announced himself as the current GWR title holder for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
At the news conference, Chef Smith said, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to announce that I am now the new world record holder for the cook-a-thon”.
The inscription on his Guinness World Record certificate, displayed during the event, read:
“The longest cooking marathon (individual) is 802 hours 25 minutes and was achieved by Ebenezer Smith (Ghanaian) in Spintex, Accra, Ghana. From 1 February to 6 March, 2024.”
Circumstances surrounding the announcement did not sit well with the public who launched an investigation into the declaration.
Following emails to the GWR, it was discovered that the GWR did not recognize Chef Smith and that the certificate he displayed was fake.
Replying to an inquiry by Derek Edem Kojo, a Ghanaian journalist with GhOne TV on the authenticity of the said certificate and the recognition conferred on the chef, Madalyn Bielfield, PR Manager for Guinness World Records stated emphatically that Alan Fisher holds the current record (Ireland).
She also confirmed the position of many who suggested the certificate was fake saying;
“No, this is not true at all. He does not hold the GWR title and that is not our certificate.”
A few minutes ago, I received this mail from @GWR confirming my position yesterday that the certificate by Chef Smith in circulation is not authentic. https://t.co/P8aZl4NmR7 pic.twitter.com/LJVApcXFFy
— #LetsTalkBusiness (@_edemkojo) July 3, 2024
