Ghanaian visual artist and architect Sharon Dede Padi has etched her name into the history books after setting a Guinness World Record for the largest leaf print painting, projecting Ghanaian creativity onto the global stage.
The record-breaking masterpiece, completed at the National Theatre in Accra, spans an astonishing 54.3 square metres. Using only leaf prints, Padi meticulously recreated the Ghanaian national flag, transforming a familiar symbol into a sprawling canvas of texture, colour and cultural pride.
Her journey to the record has been anything but overnight. Padi first attempted the feat on 28 December 2024 at the National Museum, where she produced an experimental work measuring about 39 square metres. That initial attempt became the foundation for months of research, planning and refinement, culminating in the final phase in July 2025 and the official confirmation of her Guinness World Record.
Speaking after the achievement was confirmed, Padi said her motivation went beyond personal recognition.
“This record is a platform to project Ghanaian art and culture to the world,” she said. “Through this work, I hope to inspire young artists in Ghana and across Africa to pursue creativity, innovation and excellence.”
The artwork showcases more than technical ingenuity. Each leaf print, layered and repeated, pays homage to Ghana’s relationship with nature, resilience and identity, while the bold red, gold, green and black star echo the country’s enduring symbols of struggle, wealth, growth, and unity.
Sharon Dede Padi now holds the Guinness World Record for the largest leaf print painting, a milestone that cements her status as a pioneering figure in contemporary Ghanaian art.
About Sharon Dede Padi
Sharon Dede Padi is a Ghanaian visual artist and architect known for blending traditional techniques with contemporary forms. Her practice centres on cultural storytelling, innovative materials and large-scale public works that celebrate and elevate Ghanaian heritage on the world stage.
