Ghana Mourns Death of Tallest Man, Sulemana Abdul Samed, at 33

Ghana’s tallest man, Sulemana Abdul Samed, popularly known as Awuche, has died at the age of 33, sparking an outpouring of grief across the country, particularly in northern Ghana, where his extraordinary height made him a well-known and beloved figure.

According to the BBC, Awuche died on Monday at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for infected sores on his legs. He was admitted to the facility in Tamale, about 160 kilometres from his hometown of Gambaga.

A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, described him as a generous and kind-hearted man whose death has devastated the local community.

“Everyone knew how generous and kind he was. From when he died until now, a lot of people are still coming to the house to find out what exactly happened,” Kudus told the BBC.

Diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s, Awuche measured 7ft 4in (223cm) when the BBC visited him in 2022, although it is believed he may have grown even taller before his death. His towering stature was linked to Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the body’s connective tissues and responsible for his unusually long limbs.

The BBC reported that businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of Ghanaian President John Mahama, had stepped in to support Awuche’s medical treatment after years of financial difficulties in paying his hospital bills.

Earlier this month, Mahama reportedly met with Awuche and provided an update on plans for his continued medical care.

Kudus said the sores on Awuche’s legs were not directly caused by Marfan syndrome but were believed to be a complication associated with the condition. Although doctors had reportedly observed that he was responding well to treatment, he died unexpectedly on Monday morning.

“Everyone is just sad,” Kudus said, adding that residents of Gambaga were shocked by the news of his passing.

He noted that Awuche’s fame had brought national and international attention to their village.

Reflecting on the impact of his condition during his lifetime, Awuche once said: “I used to play football like every other young man. I was athletic, but now I cannot even walk short distances.”

Despite the physical challenges he faced, he remained optimistic and embraced the recognition that came with being Ghana’s tallest man.

His family has decided that he will be buried in Tamale rather than in Gambaga, fearing that the village would be unable to accommodate the large number of mourners expected to attend his funeral.