Guinness World Record holder and visual artist, poet and cultural advocate Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki, has died at the age of 50.

Although the cause of death has not yet been disclosed, scores of Ghanaians have taken to social media to mourn her passing.

News of her death has triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with colleagues, admirers and public figures paying tribute to the late artist.

Media personality Akumaa Mama Zimbi, in a Facebook post, expressed shock over her death while celebrating Padiki’s remarkable legacy.

Padiki was the founder of the Padiki Art Gallery and was widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most innovative visual artists.

She dedicated much of her career to promoting Ghanaian culture through art while mentoring young creatives and encouraging the use of art as a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.

She rose to international prominence after setting the Guinness World Record for the Largest Leaf Print Painting.

In 2025, she was officially recognised as the first holder of the record after creating a 54.33-square-metre artwork made entirely from natural leaves depicting the Ghanaian flag.

The achievement drew global attention to her unique leaf-print painting technique and shone a spotlight on Ghana’s creative arts sector.

It also underscored her commitment to environmental sustainability by demonstrating the artistic potential of natural materials.

Beyond her record-breaking feat, Padiki remained passionate about nurturing emerging artists through exhibitions, workshops and community initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on Ghana’s visual arts landscape.