A 23-year-old journalist from Kumasi, Ghana, has set a new world record for the longest time spent hugging a tree.
Abdul Hakim Awal achieved this feat during his “tree-hug-a-thon” outside the Kumasi Cultural Centre, holding onto the tree for an impressive 24 hours and 21 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 16 hours set by Ugandan activist Faith Patricia Ariokot.
Awal undertook this challenge to raise awareness about nature conservation in Ghana and pledged to plant a new tree for every minute of his record attempt, committing to plant 1,461 trees.
The challenge required him to remain standing with his arms wrapped around the tree continuously. With the record now officially recognized by Guinness World Records, future challengers will be allowed breaks totaling up to two hours per day to manage sleep deprivation.
Having witnessed the impacts of desertification in his hometown of Garu, Abdul hopes to spearhead a nationwide tree-planting initiative. “Trees are a vital resource, and while we’ve learned about their preservation, contributions have not been significant enough. This record attempt highlights the urgent need to preserve trees for human survival,” he said.
Abdul follows fellow Ghanaian Abubakar Tahiru, who set a record earlier this year for the most trees hugged in one hour, totaling 1,123. Additionally, a cork oak tree in France was recognized as the world’s tallest cork oak, standing at 21 meters (68.9 feet).
