On May 15, 2023, Nigerian Hilda Baci sparked worldwide attention after she broke the Guinness World Records for the longest cooking by an individual.
The Chef broke the long-standing record by cooking for an impressive 87 hours 50 minutes igniting praises and appellations from Nigerians and others all over the world.
- Cookie Tee and Celestine Donkor apologise for jokes on Ewe surnames
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Which Ghanaian have Guinness World Records?
Fast forward to the ending of 2023, Ghanaians seem to have been inspired by Hilda’s achievement embarking on a plethora of record attempts.
From the likes of Afua Asantewaa, Chef Faila, Chef Smith, Seidu Rafiwu Ace Liam and others whose record attempt failed to see the light of the day.
However, despite the unsuccessful attempts by these persons, some Ghanaians have been able to raise the flag of the motherland high with respect to the Guinness World Records.
Below are the names and achievements of Ghanaians who have broken the Guinness World Records so far.
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Ferdie Ato Adoboe: Fastest backward runner
Since 1983, Ghana has long etched its name in the annals of the Guinness book of records. Ferdie Ato Adoboe, a Ghanaian athlete born and raised in Ghana but moved to the US in 1981. Ferdie became the fastest Human to sprint 100m dash backwards in 12.7 sec in 1983 and 13.6 sec in1991 respectively at Smith College, Northampton MA.
According to Ghanaian Museums, Ferdie has a total of four Guinness World Records. He is also an accomplished professional with a career that spans over four continents.
Footage of Ferdie Ato Adoboe, Born and raised in Ghana, he moved to the US in 1981. With 4 Guinness World Records, he became the Fastest Human to sprint backwards- 100m dash Backwards in 12.7 and 13.6 sec. respectively at Smith College, Northampton MA 1991. pic.twitter.com/mv3a4OR01c
— GHANA FACTS & HISTORY (@GhanaianMuseum) March 17, 2020
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Lewis Appiagyei: Guinness World Records for Fastest Lap Laguna Seca-Gran Turismo
UK-born Ghanaian, Lewis Appiagyei, entered the Guinness Book of World Records at the tender age of 10 achieving his first Guinness World Record for the fastest lap of Laguna Seca-Gran Turismo 5 (PS3) in 44.0 seconds.
Described as a child racing protege in the UK at the time, Lewis made history by being the youngest person in the world to set a motor racing simulator Gran Turismo Guinness World Record at that young age in 2014.
In 2020, Lewis Appiagyei was named the youngest on the prestigious Forbes ’30 under 30’ Africa list. He was 17 years then.
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Dickson Oppong: The Waterman or Human Fountain
Dickson Oppong, a Ghanaian nicknamed “Waterman” set the Guinness World Record for the longest time to spray water uninterruptedly from his mouth in 32.65 seconds.
He attained it on the set of a CCTV Guinness World Records Special, in Beijing, China, on 6 December 2012. Dickson unfortunately passed away on October 11, 2021 after a bicycle accident in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
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Daniel Ashitey Amarh and Richard Mensah Ofori
Daniel Ashitey Amarh and Richard Mensah Ofori made it to the Guinness book of record in 2011.
They recorded the fastest time to walk over ten obstacles while carrying a person on the head (standing on one foot) is 21.83 sec on the set of Lo Show Dei Record, in Milan, Italy, on 27 April 2011.
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Abdul Rashid: Longest continual drumming record
In 2009, Abdul Rashid left an indelible mark in the world of percussion by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest continual drumming. His rhythmic prowess allowed him to drum for an astonishing 123 hours and 30 minutes.
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Evans Nana Ekow Aryee – The Hulk
Fast-rising Ghanaian powerlifter Evans Aryee based in Belgium is a three-time Guinness World Record holder.
He currently holds the record for the fastest 400kg incline frame carry over 10metres in 8.07 seconds which he achieved on the set of Lo Show Dei Record in Italy, Milan on January, 26, 2024.
Evans broke his own record at 7.89 seconds against a Dutch challenger on January 29, 2024, and also set a new record for the most reps (9) in throne deadlifts totaling 1000kg.
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Abubakar Tahiru
Just last month, a Ghanaian based in US studying forestry in Auburn University engraved his name as part of the record holders of the Guinness World Records.
Abubakar Tahiru set the record for the most trees hugged by an individual in one hour.
Abubakar Tahiru embraced a total of 1,123 trees within an hour on March 25 in Alabama, USA.
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Ace Liam
The most recent Ghanaian to be recognised by the Guinness World Record as of the time of the publication of this article is one year-old Ace Liam.
Ace set the record of the youngest male artist ending the reign of Dante Lamb, a three-year-old who has reportedly held the title since 2003.
He embarked on this record in Accra between January 18 and January 20, 2024.
- Why is it called Guinness World Records?
It’s called the Guinness Book of World Records, because the reference book was originally a promotional stunt for Guinness beer.
According to Quora, it was a curiosity about the fastest game bird that inspired the creation of Guinness World Records. In 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, missed a shot at a game bird during a hunting trip and wondered aloud if it could possibly be the fastest game bird in existence.
A few years later, upon realizing there did not exist a record of superlatives such as the fastest game bird, Beaver enlisted the assistance of two journalists, Norris and Ross McWhirter, to write the first edition of the bestseller. After more than 13 90-hour weeks, the editors finally published the book on August 27, 1955.
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Is Ashanti in the Guinness World Records?
Yes. Multi-platinum selling, Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter Ashanti is now also a Guinness World Record holder for Fastest Selling Debut Artist (for a female).
Her 2002 debut album Ashanti sold over 503,000 copies in its first week, with chart-topping hits “What’s Luv,” “Baby,” “Always On Time,” and the timeless classic, “Foolish.”
It landed the #1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and R&B album charts, selling a whopping 504,593 units in its first week.
This set a SoundScan record as the most albums sold by any debut female artist in the chart’s history and granted her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
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Do Guinness World Records pay?
No, Guinness World Records does not pay any prize money to those who break or set new records. Their focus is on celebrating achievements and inspiring people, therefore there is no price money for Guinness World Records holders.
