Ghanaian visual artist and architect Sharon Dede Padi has carved her name into history after officially setting a Guinness World Record for the largest leaf print painting, placing Ghanaian creativity firmly on the global art map.
The record-breaking artwork, unveiled at the National Theatre in Accra, spans an impressive 54.3 square metres.
Created entirely with leaf prints, the monumental piece reimagines the Ghanaian national flag, turning a familiar national symbol into a textured, large-scale celebration of colour, culture, and identity.
Padi’s journey to the historic feat was marked by persistence and careful refinement.
Her first attempt took place on December 28, 2024, at the National Museum, where she produced an experimental leaf print painting measuring about 39 square metres. That early work laid the groundwork for months of research, technical experimentation, and planning. The final phase of the project was completed in July 2025, followed by the official confirmation from Guinness World Records.
Speaking after the record was certified, Padi said the achievement was driven by a purpose beyond personal acclaim.
“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.”
Beyond its sheer scale, the artwork carries deep symbolic meaning. The repeated layering of leaf prints reflects Ghana’s close relationship with nature, resilience, and continuity, while the red, gold, and green of the flag, along with the black star, echo enduring themes of struggle, wealth, growth, and unity.
With this achievement, Sharon Dede Padi becomes the official Guinness World Record holder for the largest leaf print painting, a milestone that cements her place as a pioneering force in contemporary Ghanaian art.
Padi is a Ghanaian visual artist and architect known for blending traditional techniques with contemporary forms. Her work focuses on cultural storytelling, innovative materials, and large-scale public installations that celebrate and elevate Ghanaian heritage on the world stage.
