Ghana Mourns Guinness World Record Holder Sharon Dede Padi

Ghana's creative arts industry is mourning the death of celebrated visual artist and poet Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.

According to reports, she died in the early hours of Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at the age of 50. The cause of her death has not been made public, and her family is yet to issue a statement.

Padiki rose to international prominence in 2025 after becoming the first official Guinness World Records holder for the Largest Leaf Print Painting.

Her record-breaking artwork measured 54.33 square metres and was created in Accra using impressions from natural leaves to showcase Ghana's culture, environment, and artistic heritage.

Born in 1976, Padiki studied architecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology before earning a master's degree in construction and project management from London South Bank University.

Although trained as an architect, she devoted much of her career to visual arts and later founded Padiki Art Gallery to promote her work and mentor emerging artists.

Through her paintings and poetry, she explored themes of culture, identity, and everyday Ghanaian life.

She also advocated greater investment in Ghana's creative industry, calling for increased financial support for young artists and easier access to quality art materials.

In 2022, she was appointed to the board of Ghana Digital Centres Limited, where she contributed to initiatives supporting innovation and the creative economy.

Before her death, Padiki had been named Visual Arts Ambassador for the 200th anniversary of the Odwira Festival, where she unveiled a live painting of the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, during the launch of the celebrations.

She had also completed a 168-hour painting marathon in 2024 before eventually achieving global recognition with her Guinness World Record feat.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ghana Tourism Authority described Padiki as an inspiration whose creativity and determination brought honour to Ghana.

The Authority said it received news of her death with "profound sorrow and deep shock," adding that she was more than a Guinness World Record holder.

It said her courage to dream big and challenge limits inspired many young Ghanaians to pursue their ambitions with passion and perseverance.

The Authority further described her passing as a major loss to Ghana's tourism and creative sectors, saying the country had lost "one of its brightest ambassadors" whose achievements reflected the nation's creativity and potential.

It extended condolences to her family and loved ones, expressing hope that her legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Padiki is survived by three children, a son and two daughters. Her work earned Ghana international recognition and inspired many young artists to use art as a tool for storytelling, education, and cultural preservation.