A 23-year-old journalist from Kumasi, Ghana, has achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest duration hugging a tree.
Abdul Hakim Awal’s “tree-hug-a-thon,” held outside the Kumasi Cultural Centre, lasted an impressive 24 hours and 21 minutes.
The previous record of 16 hours was set earlier this year by Ugandan environmental activist Faith Patricia Ariokot.
Abdul undertook this challenge to raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation in Ghana. He pledged to plant a new tree for every minute he hugged the tree, totaling 1,461 trees.
According to Guinness World Records, Abdul was not allowed any breaks during his attempt. He had to remain standing with his arms around the tree throughout the entire period.
With the record now at 24 hours, the title has been updated to reflect the longest marathon hugging a tree. Future record attempts will allow for breaks (up to two hours per day) to mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation.
Abdul is not the only Ghanaian to set a tree-hugging record this year. Forestry student Abubakar Tahiru previously set a record for the most trees hugged in one hour, with a total of 1,123 trees.
The achievement has sparked discussions on X, with some Nigerians mockingly questioning the nature of tree-hugging records and Ghanaians’ penchant for unconventional world records.
