Renowned Artist Yaa Padiki to be Laid to Rest at State House; Final Rites Set for September

The family of Sharon Dede Padi, the celebrated Ghanaian visual artist known professionally as Yaa Padiki, has announced that her final funeral rites will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Forecourt of the State House in Osu. The arrangement underscores the national significance of her artistic contributions and her record-breaking achievement that elevated Ghana's profile in the global arts community.

Padi, who passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at age 50, became internationally recognised as a Guinness World Record holder for creating the Largest Leaf Print Painting. Her death marks the loss of a pioneering figure whose work transcended traditional Ghanaian art forms and demonstrated the country's creative potential on the world stage.

Funeral Programme and Arrangements

The family has structured a comprehensive three-day honouring of Padi's life and legacy. On September 26, proceedings will commence with a pre-burial service beginning at 7:30 a.m., followed by the burial service at 9:00 a.m. After the burial, the final funeral rites and public reception will be held at the State House forecourt, allowing members of the public, fellow artists, and admirers to pay their respects.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Calvary Methodist Church in Adabraka at 10:00 a.m., providing an additional opportunity for the community to commemorate her life and contributions to Ghanaian culture.

Why It Matters for Ghana

Yaa Padiki's recognition as a Guinness World Record holder positioned Ghana as a centre of artistic excellence and innovation. In an era when African creatives increasingly gain international validation, her achievement served as an inspiration to aspiring Ghanaian artists and a source of national pride. The decision to hold her final funeral rites at the State House forecourt reflects the government's acknowledgement of her cultural impact and her role in promoting Ghana's visual arts sector globally.

Her legacy extends beyond her record-breaking work; she represented the potential for Ghanaian artists to achieve world-class recognition whilst rooted in local traditions and materials. The use of leaf printing, an accessible medium, demonstrates how contemporary African art can blend accessibility with technical mastery, a principle that has influenced emerging artists across the continent.

Surviving Family

Padi is survived by three children: Ama Kwatchey, currently a student at the University of Ghana, Legon; Bradley Kofi Antwi, a student at Achimota School; and Marcia Darkoa Antwi, a pupil at Garrison Primary School. Her family's presence in Ghana's educational institutions suggests the continuation of her influence through the next generation.