Ghana Mourns ‘Generous And Popular Giant’ Who Was Country’s Tallest Man

Ghana is mourning Sulemana Abdul Samed, the nation’s tallest man, whose death has triggered widespread grief, particularly in the north where his extraordinary height had made him a household name.

The 33-year-old, popularly known as Awuche, died Monday at a hospital in Tamale, roughly 160km south of his home village of Gambaga. He had been admitted after sores on his legs became infected.

A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, told the BBC that well-wishers had continued visiting the family home to learn what happened, describing widespread recognition of his generosity and kindness.

Awuche was diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s and measured 7ft 4in (223cm) when the BBC recorded his height in late 2022 — though he had likely grown taller still by the time of his death. His condition stemmed from Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue that caused his unusually long limbs and, over time, an abnormal curvature of his spine.

Kudus said the leg sores that led to his hospitalization were not a direct result of Marfan syndrome but likely a related complication. His death came as a shock to doctors, who had reported he was responding well to treatment, and to residents of Gambaga, who had come to see him as a source of local pride.

Awuche had struggled for years to cover his medical costs. Relief came recently when Ibrahim Mahama — a prominent businessman and brother of Ghana’s President John Mahama — stepped in to fund his treatment at Tamale Teaching Hospital, having met Awuche in person earlier this year.

His transformation began at age 22, while working at a butcher’s shop in Accra. He recalled first noticing his tongue swelling to the point of affecting his breathing, followed within days by rapid growth throughout his body. The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome soon followed, forcing him to abandon his ambition of becoming a driver and return to Gambaga roughly nine years ago.

The condition also reshaped his social life. Once an athletic young man who played football, he said he eventually lost the ability to walk even short distances. Despite these limitations, he was known for maintaining a positive outlook and embracing the local celebrity his height brought him — telling people wherever he went that he hailed from Gambaga, a fact that gave the village a distinct identity.

His family has chosen to bury him in Tamale rather than Gambaga, citing concern that the volume of mourners would overwhelm the village.