Ghanaian Activist Sets New World Records for Hugging 1,123 Trees
Photo Credit: GWR
Drenched in sweat and clad in a blue long-sleeved shirt, 29-year-old Ghanaian environmental activist Abubakar Tahiru embraced a towering timber tree with unwavering dedication.
His mission? To set a new Guinness World Record for the most trees hugged in an hour by an individual–a feat he achieved by hugging an astonishing 1,123 trees.
For this record attempt, a hug was defined as wrapping both arms around a tree in a close embrace, with no tree allowed to be hugged more than once.
Moreover, no damage could be caused to any tree, or the attempt would be disqualified.
Abubakar’s record attempt was even more challenging because he was fasting for Ramadan, which meant he couldn’t consume any water throughout the attempt.
“Not being able to drink water throughout the attempt posed a significant challenge, especially given the physical exertion required,” Abubakar acknowledged.
“However, this also proved to be helpful in a way, as there was no need to pause for water breaks, allowing me to continue the attempt uninterrupted from start to finish.”
Abubakar, now the first holder of this record Most trees hugged in one hour (individual), averaged an impressive one hug every three seconds. He effortlessly surpassed the minimum requirement of 700 trees, cementing his place in the record books.
Abubakar hugging a tree. Image credit: GWR
Born in the farming community of Tepa, in Ghana’s Ahafo Ano North Region, Abubakar developed a deep passion for nature and conservation from a young age. After completing his undergraduate degree in forestry, he moved to Alabama, USA, last year to pursue his master’s degree in forestry at Auburn University.
“Achieving this world record feels incredibly rewarding,” Abubakar exclaimed. “It’s a meaningful gesture to highlight the crucial role of trees in our ecosystem and the urgency of environmental conservation.”
His record attempt took place on March 23, at Tuskegee National Forest, one of four national forests in the timber-rich state of Alabama.
By: Ibrahim Khalilulahi Usman
SOURCES: Guiness World Record.
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