Ghanaian Chef, Ebenezer Smith
When Chef Smith began his cook-a-thon, he virtually did not get the whole nation behind him as his colleagues did when they took up the challenge. Some attributed it to distance, and others also felt he was being unfair to Chef Faila, who was enjoying some fame. They felt he should have allowed her to reign for some time before deciding to dethrone her.
However, as time passed, his cooking sessions gained momentum, with a few people passing through to lend him their support. He should be applauded for remaining unfazed despite minimal support.
When the news broke about his upcoming press conference to announce whether he is the newly crowned cook-a-thon record holder or otherwise, Ghanaians had high hopes of receiving some good news, and the hope was realized when Chef Smith announced to the world that he was the current record holder, buttressing it with the certificate from Guinness World Records.
Credible news portals carried this all-important news, and a lot of people, including the naysayers, showered praise on him for the great feat, but that was short-lived as Guinness World Records vehemently refuted his claim in their emails to those who cared to verify it from them.
Also, the controversy surrounding his arrest and its attendant excesses threw his claim out of gear, solidifying the doubts some Ghanaians had after the response from Guinness World Records.
Now, what in God's name was Chef Smith thinking when he decided to confidently lead Ghanaians on this murky path? Was he thinking he would nicodemously outwit Ghanaians, and it would be accepted hook, line, and sinker without thorough verification in these modern times?
I do not want to believe he set out to deceive the whole nation, because that would be an audacious attempt. Also, some others have made the case that he was probably scammed, which is possible, but he can not be absolved of any blame because he could have also verified.
The media also shares responsibility for this debacle. They contributed to fueling this broad daylight deception. As a credible media outlet, the principle of verification should not be compromised and in this instance, the media failed woefully by reneging on their duty.
The individuals who have apologized for sharing the wrong information without verification should be applauded for accepting responsibility for their indiscretion. It is not easy to put your credibility on the line and have it stained by someone you have reposed so much trust and confidence in.
Chef Smith has been flogged enough. Ghanaians should cut him some slack, but he has to come clean on why he decided to take the nation on a wild goose chase, with his unwavering supporters having eggs on their faces after verification.
