What started as an instinctive love for drawing—often met with childhood reprimands—has developed into a creative force that garners both national and international attention today.
Although her early passion for art was set aside to pursue a more conventional career, studying architecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and later establishing a career in project management, the desire to create never truly faded.
In an interview with The Mirror at the Graphic Online Studios last Tuesday, the woman who holds the Guinness World Record for the Largest Leaf Print Painting said that, like many creatives of her generation, she was steered away from pursuing art as a career by societal expectations.
After completing her first degree at KNUST, she pursued postgraduate studies in construction and project management abroad, built a professional career across notable institutions and eventually secured a position at the Accra Technical University, where she is currently employed.
Awakening
What she described as an awakening came years later, after a personal transition in her life.
“When I told everyone around me, including my children, they found it funny—no one even knew I could paint. I bought a canvas and some paints from Orca Deco, but they sat in my house untouched for a whole year. Then one day, I said to myself, “Today, I’m going to paint. So I picked up the brush and just did something. And they were all surprised—like, Ah, it’s true… you can actually draw, “she recounted.
For over 13 years now, she has painted relentlessly, often through the night, driven not by formal training but by instinct, emotion and an unwavering belief that art must come from within.
Art and heritage
Asked how she would describe the kind of art she does, she explained, “I would say my work is primarily abstract.
By abstract, I mean artworks that invite you to take your time—pieces you have to observe closely and reflect on before fully understanding. My art is deeply rooted in imagination, but it also carries strong meaning and storytelling.
“Within abstract art, I focus a lot on themes of heritage, culture, tradition, slavery, and the African woman. Through my work, I try to tell stories—stories of our past, our identity, and our experiences as a people. I want my art to serve as a bridge between generations, so that even when I’m no longer here, future generations can look at my work and understand where we come from, what our forefathers went through, and how they can preserve and build upon that legacy”, she said.
World record
Padiki had attempted a world record before, taking on the longest painting marathon—seven days of nearly non-stop work. Unfortunately, she didn’t succeed because she exceeded the strict break limits set by Guinness. But giving up was never an option for her.
For her next attempt, she explained she wanted to do something entirely original, a record that no one had created before. That’s when she discovered leaf print painting and realised it had never been done.
The idea also had personal significance: growing up in the lush greenery of Tafo, she had always loved leaves, so incorporating them into her art felt natural.
Once approved, she faced the challenge of creating a visible image. Her first idea, the Golden Stool, didn’t work because of the limitations of the leaves. Then her daughter suggested the Ghana flag, which resonated deeply with her—capturing heritage and identity in a single design.
The process was intense she said. She had to gather funds, organise a team and transport the leaves from Tafo to Accra. In December 2024, she completed 39 square metres at the National Museum in 24 hours, but Guinness required at least 50 square metres to set a record.
Months later, with more planning and resources, she completed 54.33 square metres at the National Theatre in July 2025.
“One morning, while I was asleep, my daughter burst into the room, shouting, “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” She had been checking my email and saw the official confirmation. “You’re amazing! You’re amazing!”
“I was in complete shock because I didn’t expect it, especially since it had taken much longer than usual to receive the results. I had been messaging them repeatedly without any response and had given up,” She said.
Recognition
While she feels her achievement has not received the full recognition it deserves, having set a brand-new world record, Padiki expressed gratitude to institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and UNESCO for their support in promoting her work.
She was particularly grateful to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who, she said, proposed that she lead a group of artists to create works showcasing Ghana’s culture and heritage at Ghanaian embassies around the world.
Padiki noted that Ghana’s art and tourism sectors are still male-dominated, and women often face subtle resistance.
She believes, however, that every artist is unique, and embracing individuality and collaboration—rather than competition—can help women overcome these challenges and thrive.
“To any young girl sitting somewhere, toying with a pencil and wondering if she could be an artist, I would say: don’t stop. Encourage that child, because I’ve learned from my own journey that no one can take your talent away.
No matter the circumstances, your gift will always find its way back to you. Instead of holding them back, let them keep going, support them and provide the basic tools they need so they can explore their creativity fully and reach their potential.”
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh