West Africa has always celebrated those who push themselves beyond the ordinary, but 2024 saw Ghanaians raise the bar even further—turning endurance, passion, and patriotism into headline-making attempts at Guinness World Records (GWR). From relentless marathons in the kitchen and on the stage to public feats in car cleaning and tree-hugging, Ghanaians joined a growing trend across Africa: using global records as a platform for showcasing local talent, causes, and culture. For many Nigerian readers—where marathon contests and viral records have sparked both admiration and laughs—these dramatic, sometimes controversial Ghanaian attempts provide inspiration and valuable lessons. Here’s a comprehensive look back at the standout GWR moments from Ghana in 2024, including what West Africans can learn and how local trends compare worldwide.
1. Cookathon: Failatu Abdul-Razak’s Daring Culinary Challenge
The year got off to a sizzling start as Tamale-based chef Failatu Abdul-Razak staked her claim for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Draped in Ghana’s national colours, she battled exhaustion and kitchen heat for over 227 hours—nearly ten days—serving up an array of traditional Ghanaian foods to the world and live-streaming her progress. Her attempt built national pride and drew massive support, echoing the way Nigerian Jollof festivals and food competitions stoke local rivalries and community involvement.
Failatu
Despite her effort and viral support, Abdul-Razak’s bid was ultimately disqualified by Guinness World Records, who cited irregularities around rest breaks—a rule many might overlook in their enthusiasm. According to her team, strict guidelines around resting schedules and timekeeping proved her undoing (“We learned a lot for next time,” her spokesperson noted). Many Nigerians on social media empathized, citing similar frustrations with global contest rules. Nonetheless, her perseverance inspired future participants not just in Ghana but across West Africa, where food marathons continue to captivate fans.
2. Singathon: QueenLet’s Anticipated World Record Bid
July brought anticipation as gospel singer QueenLet—known for her energetic performances—announced her Guinness World Record attempt for the longest singing marathon. Endorsed by GWR and set in Hamburg, Germany, her effort was due to begin at 8 PM on July 21, 2024. Fans and media outlets across Ghana, Nigeria, and the diaspora rallied in support, with some critics noting “fatigue” from the surge of record bids. Even so, QueenLet’s dedication to her craft reignited national and continental pride, especially given her official Guinness clearance beforehand.
For many local musicians and aspiring talents—both in Ghana and Nigeria—her willingness to try, despite sceptics, was seen as a turning point. “It shows we can take our music to the global stage and be recognized for more than just Afrobeats,” commented a Lagos-based artist manager. Whatever the outcome, QueenLet’s record attempt is already inspiring conversations about the role of gospel artists and the internationalisation of African music through unique avenues like GWR.
3. Kebabathon: Atinga Nsobila Joel Grills for Glory
April produced another mouthwatering challenge—this time from grill devotee Atinga Nsobila Joel. Announcing an ambitious plan to break the record for the longest barbecue marathon, Joel set out to grill non-stop for 90 hours. Details of the location were purposefully withheld, said organisers, to maximize suspense and online buzz. Interest was especially strong amongst West African foodies and street food vendors, many noting that Nigeria’s suya culture would make a similar competition a natural local fit.
Joel’s barbecue “Kebabathon” became a trending topic, especially among younger West African audiences eager to see local culinary skills recognized at a global level. “It’s about showing the world that African street food deserves respect,” one Abuja grill master told us. His attempt built anticipation for more food-focused record attempts across the region, sparking ideas for collaborations and pan-African contests.
4. Washathon: Felicity Asantewaa’s Record-Breaking Car Wash
Not all record chases happened out of the kitchen or music studio. This March, Felicity Asantewaa made history by washing an astonishing 60 cars in eight hours at Go Go Wash in East Legon—a feat recognized and confirmed by Guinness World Records. Her drive and discipline captured the admiration of many, echoing the painstaking routines of Nigeria’s own professional car washers and informal sector workers.
Felicity Asantewaa
Felicity’s accomplishment also sparked a conversation about women tackling physically demanding challenges and redefining what’s possible in male-dominated spaces. In Lagos, social media users pointed to her as an example of African resilience and the power of visibility in inspiring young entrepreneurs. “She should come and train our area boys!” one user joked, blending humour and admiration in classic West African style.
5. Tree Hug-a-thon: Abdul Hakim Awal’s Environmental Message
In May, journalist Abdul Hakim Awal shifted the focus to environmental awareness with his record for the longest marathon spent hugging a tree—lasting an eye-watering 24 hours and 21 minutes. Carried out at the historic Kumasi Cultural Centre, Awal’s act was not just about endurance but advocacy, highlighting deforestation and climate issues disrupting communities across Africa.
Abdul Hakim Awal hugs tree for 24 hours to break world record and promote reforestation
According to local environmentalists, Awal’s approach put a human face on conservation advocacy, helping bridge generational and urban-rural divides. Voices in northern Nigeria, where tree-planting campaigns struggle to gain attention, praised his creative activism. Experts say such stunts can elevate urgent issues, but must be followed by real policy changes for lasting effect.
6. Speechathon: Adu Safowaa’s Nonstop Talkathon
When it comes to stamina, media personality Adu Safowaa raised the bar with a 130-hour marathon speech delivered across five days at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. Kicking off on February 9 and ending in the early morning hours of February 15, Safowaa navigated topics ranging from her personal journey to issues of national importance, switching effortlessly between English and Twi.
Her achievement lit up social media, with fans saluting both her tenacity and her willingness to discuss taboo subjects. As an activist herself, Safowaa’s feat encouraged young Africans to “speak up” for their beliefs and causes, with local media houses in Nigeria hailing her “trailblazing” spirit. Some observers did express concerns about the health risks of ultra-long speeches, recommending balance and self-care for future contenders.
7. Standathon: A Short-Lived Attempt Gone Viral
Not every record chase ends triumphantly. Early in the year, a Ghanaian man’s light-hearted attempt to set the record for standing the longest—aimed at 168 hours—lasted only four before fatigue set in. Far from discouragement, his effort quickly went viral thanks to YouTube, with viewers from Nigeria to South Africa sharing clips and memes of the spirited but brief performance.
Ghana’s 2024 Record Surges: Regional Insights and the African Spirit
Taken together, these marathon record attempts reflect a wider African hunger for global recognition and storytelling—whether through physical feats, creative endurance, or advocacy. In both Nigeria and Ghana, world record chases generate heated debates: Are they about real achievement or social media fame? As Lagos-based columnist Chika Eke put it, “For many, it’s a powerful way to put Africa on the map for all the right reasons; for others, it’s just another online hustle.”
- In Nigeria, marathon events around food, dance, and worship regularly attract crowds and press, but organisers emphasise strict planning and verified Guinness rules to avoid disqualification.
- The economics of viral record attempts—sponsorships, social media buzz, and tourism—are increasingly important to local entrepreneurs and city officials.
- Global record authorities demand official timekeeping, health/safety checks, and detailed documentation. Both successes and failures become teachable moments for next would-be contenders.
- Record attempts now often spark discussions about gender roles, climate activism, and entrepreneurship, not just raw endurance.
For many, the true value lies in the collective spirit fostered by these feats—rallying communities, inspiring youth, and bridging national divides in the quest to break boundaries and rewrite what’s possible for Africans everywhere.
Conclusion: The Challenge Continues
Whether the outcome is success, viral fame, or a lesson in humility, Ghana’s 2024 record-busting adventures underline a vital message for Nigerians and the entire region: the will to keep striving, regardless of obstacles, positions Africa as a continent of promise and talent on the world stage. As creativity and ambition collide, consider this: What unique Nigerian feat deserves a Guinness World Record next? Drop your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more stories of ambition, resilience, and inspiration from West Africa and beyond.
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