In a remarkable surge of enthusiasm, Ghanaians and West Africans as a whole have been actively pursuing Guinness World Records, with a slew of record-breaking attempts that range from epic cook-a-thons to soul-stirring sing-a-thons. This growing wave of record-breaking aspirations has resulted in a flood of applications, with Ghana leading the charge.
Notable among these record attempts are Nigeria’s Hilda Baci’s cook-a-thon, Ghana’s Afua Asantewaa’s sing-a-thon, and Chef Faila’s ongoing culinary marathon. Each of these endeavours contributes to the burgeoning excitement surrounding record-breaking achievements.
Data obtained from the Guinness World Records indicates a noteworthy trend in record applications originating from Ghana. Since July 2023, a staggering total of 355 applications have been submitted by individuals in Ghana alone. This surge in record-breaking aspirations has been particularly evident in December 2023, with a whopping 251 applications. The momentum has continued unabated into January 2024, with an additional 80 applications received thus far.
Alina Polianskaya, a spokesperson for Guinness World Records, expressed her excitement about this remarkable development. In an interview with JoyNews Editor Fred Smith, she stated, “It has been amazing to witness the level of enthusiasm for record-breaking over the past year, and we anticipate even more remarkable achievements in the future.”
However, it is important to note that while the number of applications has soared, only a fraction of them will ultimately secure a coveted spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Polianskaya highlighted this, saying, “For context, only a small percentage of applications go on to become records, with approximately 95% of applications not achieving record status.”
This surge in record-breaking attempts underscores the determination and spirit of achievement among Ghanaians and West Africans as they strive to etch their names in the annals of history by pushing the boundaries of human capability and achievement.
