Ghanaian Journalist Sets World Record for Longest Tree-Hugging Marathon To Promote Reforestation

Abdul Hakim Awal’s "tree-hug-a-thon"

A 23-year-old journalist from Kumasi has set a new world record for the longest time spent hugging a tree. Abdul Hakim Awal’s groundbreaking "tree-hug-a-thon," which took place outside the Kumasi Cultural Centre, lasted an astounding 24 hours and 21 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 16 hours set by Ugandan environmental activist Faith Patricia Ariokot earlier this year.

Abdul's record-breaking feat was a powerful statement on the urgent need for nature conservation in Ghana. Inspired by the rapid rate of deforestation and desertification affecting his homeland, Abdul took on the challenge to raise awareness about the critical role trees play in preserving the environment. Throughout his marathon tree-hugging session, Abdul made a pledge to plant one tree for every minute of his record attempt. By the end of the event, his total commitment stood at an impressive 1,461 trees.

One of the most challenging aspects of Abdul's feat was the fact that he was not permitted any breaks during his attempt. He had to remain standing, keeping his arms wrapped around the tree for the entire 24 hours and 21 minutes. The mental and physical stamina required for such an achievement underscores Abdul's dedication to his cause.

"We know how trees, an essential resource which the entire human race depends on, are becoming scarce in Ghana," Abdul stated after completing the event. "Though we have been taught about preservation of trees since the early years of our lives, the contribution from everyone is not as significant as it should be. This attempt for the longest time to hug a tree, to me, spells out an important task to preserve human life by preserving trees."

Abdul's motivation is deeply personal. Hailing from Garu, a town in northern Ghana that has been severely impacted by desertification, he has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of environmental degradation. His hope is that his record-breaking accomplishment will raise awareness and also inspire action, particularly among the youth, to take responsibility for protecting Ghana's natural resources.

Following Abdul's achievement, the record category has been officially modified by Guinness World Records to "Longest Marathon Hugging a Tree." This change, which applies to future challengers, allows participants to take breaks—up to two hours per day—in recognition of the harmful effects of prolonged sleep deprivation during marathon attempts.

In the wake of his successful record attempt, Abdul has set his sights on something even bigger: a nationwide tree-planting initiative. His goal is to encourage Ghanaians from all walks of life to contribute to reversing deforestation by planting trees across the country. The trees he has pledged to plant as part of his record attempt are only the beginning of what he envisions as a national movement for reforestation and environmental conservation.

Abdul is not the only Ghanaian making headlines for tree-hugging world records. Earlier this year, Abubakar Tahiru, a forestry student, set the record for the most trees hugged in one hour, with an impressive total of 1,123. These achievements are contributing to Ghana’s growing reputation in the global environmental movement, highlighting the country’s active participation in promoting tree conservation.

This year has also seen records related to trees being set globally. One particularly notable achievement comes from France, where an individual cork oak tree, standing at 21 meters (68.9 feet) tall, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest of its kind.

Article References/Sources

1. Ghanaian activist hugs tree for 24 hours to break record and promote reforestation | Guinness World Records
2. Ugandan activist hugs tree for 16 hours to set world record: "The tree chose me" | Guinness World Records
3. What’s the limit to how long a human can stay awake? And why we don’t monitor the record | Guinness World Records
4. Ghanaian activist hugs over 1,100 trees in an hour to set record | Guinness World Records
5. Giant 68-foot cork tree in France verified as world’s tallest | Guinness World Records