In the era of record-breaking feats, the remarkable journey of Henry Smith and his two trainees shines as a symbol of human endurance and the pursuit of extraordinary achievements.
This trio is not just breaking records; they are on a mission to set a new world record for long-distance trekking, relying solely on the power of their legs, foregoing conventional vehicles.
Led by 54-year-old Henry Smith, an experienced trekker, this ambitious venture involves covering an astounding 224 kilometers from Takoradi to Accra, with pit stops along the way. What sets this apart is that it has become an annual tradition for Smith since 1996.
For Smith, this challenging journey is more than covering immense distances; it’s a personal odyssey showcasing resilience, strength, and courage. Each step taken on these treacherous paths symbolizes the human spirit’s capacity to endure and achieve remarkable feats.
In a conversation with TV3, Smith shared, “I’ve walked from Elubo to Shama; Elubo to Aflao, and other destinations in the past 27 years. The walk from Takoradi to Accra started on a Thursday and ended on Sunday. We only took a rest at Winneba on Friday and resumed Saturday. When I am alone, I usually don’t rest.”
Smith was not alone on this journey; he was accompanied by two trainees, Millicent Assane and Lawrence Manful, committed to staying with him through challenges. Trained through his Hiking Smith Foundation, they faced physical and spiritual challenges on the trek.
Millicent Assane, a mother of three, shared her amazement at completing the journey: “For God to grant me this strength to walk from Takoradi to Accra, it means a lot to me.”
Lawrence Manful, also a first-timer, expressed the difficulty of the journey but emphasized fulfilling the promise to be part of history.
Henry’s motivation goes beyond personal achievement; he aims to raise money for charity, demonstrate his strength, and share gospel tracts. Despite facing challenges, including scorching sun and fatigue, they remain undeterred.
Responding to road safety concerns, Smith assured that adequate provisions are made for their safety. To doubters, he boldly stated, “I don’t fear anything; I dare anyone who may want to harm me – they are not God. I walk and move with God always.”
Through his ‘Hiking Smith’ foundation, he hopes to train more youth and plans longer distances beyond Ghana’s borders, showcasing the spiritual and physical dimensions of his extraordinary journeys.
