<< Back             Poser >> Ghanaian artist sets Guinness Record with leaf print  Sharon Dede Padi, a Ghanaian visual artist, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the first-ever holder of the Largest Leaf Print Painting record.  The artwork, measuring 54.33 square metres, portrays Ghana’s history and culture through individual leaf prints, ranging from neem to plantain leaves, each symbolising specific locations and identities.  “With each leaf print, this record becomes a megaphone that amplifies the silent calls of our plants, the hushed rustles of the leaves and the crushing sound made whenever a tree is felled in the name of galamsey or to produce charcoal for our homes,” Ms Padi told the Ghana News Agency.  She said the journey to the record was rigorous, beginning with weeks of reviewing potential categories before settling on the attempt.   Following approval, she assembled a team, sourced leaves from the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana and began the work on December 28, 2024.  By the following day, 39 square metres had been completed, but Guinness World Records updated the requirements, compelling the team to extend the canvas.   The final work was completed on July 3, 2025, at the National Theatre of Ghana.  Ms Padi described the process as a “symphony of effort,” expressing gratitude to her team, supporters, UNESCO for technical guidance and Guinness World Records for validation.   She said beyond the achievement, the artwork advocates for vegetation and environmental protection, amplifying concerns over deforestation and illegal mining.  The leaf prints collectively form the Ghanaian flag, symbolising the role of plants such as mango, plantain, maize, cassava and cocoyam in food, medicine, rites and festivals, while connecting Ghana to Africa’s shared heritage.  Ms Padi announced plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to install the piece at a tourist site under the Black Star Experience policy and embark on international exhibitions.   She said she would expand her foundation to nurture artistic talents among children and called on government, traditional rulers, institutions and individuals to support the vision  Source: GNA Ghana Business News	Ghana records $13.66b trade surplus in 2025 on strong gold, cocoa earnings – BoG  Ghana posted a $13.66 billion trade surplus in 2025, significantly higher than the $9.88 billion recorded in 2024. NIMASA commits to shipyard evelopment, capital flight cuts By Godwin Oritse The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s shipbuilding and shipyard development as part of efforts to deepen the blue economy and curb capital flight. Speaking at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting organised by the Agency themed: “Dissecting the Issues, Challenges, and Prospects in the Shipbuilding Segment […] Oil Theft: How criminal networks are moving from creeks to communities For decades, Nigeria’s oil theft crisis was largely associated with remote creeks, mangrove swamps and offshore vandalism in the Niger Delta. Increasingly, however, security agencies say the trade is migrating inland-embedding itself within civilian communities, markets and transport corridors where it can operate under the cover of everyday commerce. The recent exposure of Owaza Mami Market […] Tinubu signs Executive Order to end NNPC’s 30% oil revenue cuts By Peter Egwuatu PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, yesterday, signed an Executive Order (EO) to boost oil and gas revenues flowing into Nigeria’s Federation Account by eliminating wasteful deductions under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). According to the statement issued by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the Executive Order is anchored on Section 44(3) of the Constitution, which […] Dangote signs $400m equipment deal to fast-track refinery expansion By Bashiru Ayuba Dangote Group has signed a $400 million construction equipment agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery, in a move set to accelerate the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it to […] Nigeria set to adopt digital sustainable financial reporting As FRC, SALI, RCRA sign MoU By Progress Godfrey Nigeria has taken a decisive step towards modernising corporate disclosure with the adoption of digital sustainable financial reporting, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), SALI Technologies and Regulatory Compliance Readiness Advisors (RCRA), Limited. The concession agreement […]