Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede 'Padiki' dies at 50

Ghana's creative arts industry is mourning the death of celebrated visual artist, poet and cultural advocate Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki, who has died at the age of 50.

Padiki, who gained international recognition as the first official Guinness World Records holder for the Largest Leaf-Print Painting, reportedly passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

The news of her death was first shared by Eastern Region-based media outlet OFIE TV in a Facebook post expressing sorrow over the loss.

The post read:

"News reaching us this evening is that Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padiki has passed away today, July 7, 2026. This is very heartbreaking, but the Lord knows what is best. May her soul rest in peace."

Traditional leader and media personality Frank Kwabena Owusu also confirmed her passing on social media. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed, although reports suggest she died in the early hours of Tuesday.

READ MORE: Abu Trica rushed to Police Hospital as lawyer alleges denial of legal access

A Life Dedicated to Art and Culture

Born on June 24, 1976, Padiki grew up in New Tafo Akyem in Ghana's Eastern Region, where the area's rich natural environment inspired her lifelong passion for leaves, nature and artistic expression.

She attended the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Primary School in Tafo before continuing her education at Krobo Girls Senior High School and Aburi Girls Senior High School.

Padiki later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) before earning a master's degree in Construction and Project Management from London South Bank University in the United Kingdom.

At the time of her death, she was pursuing a PhD in Museum and Heritage Studies at the University of Ghana.

Distinguished Career Beyond Art

In addition to her artistic achievements, Padiki built an accomplished career in construction and project management.

She worked with organisations including State Housing Company Limited, Akuaba Estates, and Waltech Company Limited. She also served on the Curatorial Board of the Pan African Heritage World Museum, joined the board of Ghana Digital Centres Limited in 2022curatorial boardant Development Officer and Head of Hostels at Accra Technical University.

READ MORE: Nana Ama Bonsu assumes stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II as the 15th Asantehemaa

In December 2022, she founded thassistant development officer, wheheadhe shostelsd her signature leaf-print artworks, many of which have been exhibited in galleries and museums across Ghana.

Guinness World Record Achievement

Padiki rose to international prominence in 2025 after setting the Guinness World Record for the Largest Leaf-Print Painting, creating an artwork measuring 54.33 square metres. The achievement made her the first person to officially hold the title.

Her remarkable contribution to the creative arts earned her several prestigious honours, including Africa's Most Respected CEO in Art, presented in Mauritius, and Most Outstanding Female in Art in Ghana.

Named Odwira Festival Art Ambassador

Just days before her passing, Padiki had been unveiled as the official Art Ambassador for the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Odwira Festival. The announcement was made during the sacred Awukudae celebrations at the palace of the Akuapemhene, marking another milestone in her distinguished career.

Ghana Mourns an Artistic Icon

Padiki's passing marks the loss of one of Ghana's most innovative and influential artists. Through her pioneering leaf-print paintings, she successfully blended art, nature and cultural heritage, earning admiration both in Ghana and on the international stage.

Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and cultural advocates across Africa and beyond.