Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as Kwame A Plus, a social commentator, has criticized the Ghanaian media for not conducting due diligence in the coverage of the supposed approval of Chef Smith’s cooking marathon attempt by the Guinness World Record.
Contributing to a panel discussion, A Plus questioned the media’s failure to follow basic journalistic ethics in reporting the issue.
The independent parliamentary candidate for Gomoa Central called on the Ghanaian media to apologize for the misinformation.
“How difficult is it to check who the current cook-a-thon contender is? The media is part of the problem. You’ve seen a story as a journalist; how difficult is it to check? Bongo Ideas objected when they posted this thing, and the media attacked him.
“When I asked Nana Boroo, he said the guy claims he received a call from Guinness World Record. The Ghanaian media does no research and no investigation. How can the whole media allow this guy to dribble them? All those media houses have to apologize to Ghanaians.”
A Plus
A Plus’ comments come in the wake of Chef Ebenezer Smith, also known as Chef Smith, apologizing for misleading Ghanaians.
In a video circulating on social media, a tearful Chef Smith is seen on his knees, with two emotional women by his side, offering a heartfelt apology to the nation and expressing deep remorse for the events that transpired.
“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.
He revealed that although he applied to attempt breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, he didn’t receive approval from the Guinness World Record but still went ahead.
“I registered, but I wasn’t approved. I just wanted an opportunity to show the world the talent God has given me. I wanted to show the world my passion for cooking and gain fame. I am sorry.”
Chef Smith
Individuals he mentioned in his apology included the President and his vice, former President Mahama and his wife, as well as Nana Boroo.
Ghanaian chef, Leticia Martekie Sankah, also known as Tisha Bites, however, apologized to Ghanaians for her role in Chef Smith’s cook-a-thon, which has been exposed as fraudulent.
In a post on her Facebook account, she stated that she was completely unaware of the fraudulent nature of the event and had participated in good faith, believing she was supporting a legitimate cause.
She added that she intended to showcase her culinary skills and help someone she thought of as a friend.
“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.”
Leticia Martekie Sankah
George Quaye Addresses Chef Smith’s Apology to Ghanaians
Ghanaian playwright, George Quaye publicly supported Chef Smith following his admission of falsifying a Guinness World Record.
In a Facebook post, George Quaye addressed Smith’s apology, calling it a brave and honorable act in the face of widespread disappointment and ridicule.
“You did the right thing. Yes, the disappointment cuts deep, we all know that. People are disappointed, angry, and yes, making all kinds of jokes. It’s a lot to process. But through the storm, you did something I think is incredibly honorable, you apologized.
“Listen, in Ghana, owning up to mistakes isn’t always easy. We roast hard and can make you even hate yourself for doing the right thing.”
George Quaye
George Quaye further expressed his readiness to grant Smith a second chance, hoping others would follow suit.
“So though I’m dead damn disappointed in the fib you cooked up and served to us all, I am more than willing to give you a second chance and pray that others do too.
“Please find a way to make it up to your sponsors … You do deserve to live, Chef Smith! And you totally deserve another opportunity to do what you do best … Cook!”
George Quaye
He urged Chef Smith to retract his statement about not deserving to live due to his mistake and stated that what truly matters, is how one rectifies their missteps.
“And wait, did I hear you say you didn’t deserve to live? Like seriously? Why? Because you lied? Come on dude! Take that back! You absolutely deserve to live! Trust me, there are people who’ve done far worse walking around just fine.
“You messed up, yes, but millions make mistakes. What separates us is how we handle them.”
George Quaye
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