Failed Cook-a-thon gave me breakthrough –Chef Faila

ALTHOUGH her attempt to break the world record for the longest cooking marathon ended on a sour note, Ghanaian chef Failatu Abdul Razak, popularly known as Chef Faila, revealed the experience was the ultimate breakthrough she had been seeking.

It would be recalled that Chef Faila dedicated an impressive 227 hours to her cooking marathon. Over the course of 10 days, she tirelessly prepared and served over 200 meals, focusing on orphans and vulnerable individuals as her primary recipients.

However, despite her efforts, she was disqualified by Guinness World Records (GWR) due to technical breaches, but Chef Faila remains unfazed by this setback.

Speaking exclusively to Graphic Showbiz at the launch of her new cookbook Authentic Ghanaian Cuisine at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, Accra on Tuesday, September 2, Chef Faila said she believed the GWR experience has given her the exposure and platform needed to propel her forward.

She disclosed that her journey has provided her with opportunities to connect with influential individuals and organisations, helping her make significant strides towards realising her dream of fighting teenage pregnancy and addressing rural-urban migration in the Northern Region.

 “Prior to the cooking marathon, I was simply a young woman from Northern Ghana, driven by passion to make a meaningful impact in my community. My ultimate goal was to shine a spotlight on the north, showcasing its richness and potential, while elevating Ghana's profile globally.”

“It was just a dream before my attempt. However, the GWR attempt proved to be a transformative experience, far exceeding my expectations. Although I didn't break the record, I gained something more valuable in terms of visibility, connections and a platform to amplify my vision.”

“The aftermath of the event introduced me to influential individuals who shared my passion for community development. I've had the privilege of connecting with key stakeholders, forging meaningful relationships, and presenting my proposals for community support to those who can make a tangible difference,” she said.

Touching on her future plans, Chef Faila said her immediate focus was on establishing a culinary school tailored to empowering young girls in Northern Ghana.

This initiative, according to her, is aimed at addressing pressing social issues in the region, specifically rural-urban migration and teenage pregnancy.

“Education and skill development are key to unlocking the potential of our youth. By providing a platform for these girls to learn culinary arts, I am certain I will not only be equipping them with valuable skills but also offering a viable alternative to migrating down south and early marriage.”

“The school will provide comprehensive training, focusing on traditional Northern Ghanaian cuisine with modern twists, as well as entrepreneurship and business management. There will also be mentorship and networking opportunities,” she stated.

Regarding future GWR attempts, Chef Faila said she had no plans yet, adding “While I never say never, my focus at the moment is squarely on the culinary school. The impact it will have on young girls' lives far outweighs any personal achievements. For now, I'm content with making a difference in my own backyard and I am not eyeing any attempt soon,” she added.