Celebrated Ghanaian eco-artist Padiki dies after short illness

The Ghanaian creative community is mourning the loss of Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki, an internationally acclaimed eco-artist who died in the early hours of Tuesday, 7 July following a brief illness. The exact cause of her death has not yet been disclosed.

Padiki earned global recognition for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of art and environmental consciousness. Her most significant achievement came when she set a Guinness World Record for the Largest Leaf Print Painting, a feat that established her as one of Ghana's most accomplished contemporary visual artists and brought significant international attention to her innovative practice.

Beyond her record-breaking work, Padiki demonstrated her versatility and calibre on the world stage through a notable live painting performance created for His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini. This commission highlighted her standing among global creative professionals and her ability to represent Ghana's artistic talent internationally.

Her approach to art transcended traditional aesthetics, combining creative expression with passionate advocacy for environmental conservation—a dual commitment that made her work both visually striking and socially purposeful.

Details regarding funeral arrangements and a full celebration of her life are expected to be announced by her family in the coming days.