The death of Sulemana Abdul Samed, widely recognized as Ghana’s tallest man, has sparked an outpouring of grief across the country, particularly in northern Ghana, where he was admired as a well-known community figure.
The 33-year-old passed away on Monday at the Tamale Teaching Hospital after being admitted for treatment of infected sores on his legs. He had been transferred from his hometown of Gambaga, located about 160 kilometres from Tamale.
Family members described him as a kind and generous person whose death has deeply affected residents of his community.
Sulemana, affectionately known as Awuche, a Hausa word meaning “Let’s Go,” was diagnosed with gigantism in his twenties. In 2022, he was measured at approximately 7 feet 4 inches (223 centimetres), although relatives believe he may have grown even taller in recent years.
He had lived with complications associated with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissues and contributed to his unusually tall stature and elongated limbs.
In recent months, Awuche had received financial support for his medical treatment from businessman Ibrahim Mahama, the brother of Ghanaian President John Mahama, who had pledged to cover his hospital expenses.
According to relatives, the sores on his legs were not directly caused by Marfan syndrome but were believed to be complications related to his overall health condition.
Despite reportedly responding positively to treatment, he died unexpectedly on Monday morning, leaving his family and the people of Gambaga in shock.
Residents said Awuche brought national recognition to their hometown, as many people associated Gambaga with being the home of Ghana’s tallest man.
His extraordinary height was not apparent during childhood. At the age of 22, he began experiencing rapid physical changes while working at a butcher’s shop in Accra. He later noticed his tongue and other parts of his body increasing in size before doctors diagnosed him with Marfan syndrome.
The condition eventually forced him to abandon his dream of becoming a professional driver and return to his hometown. It also limited his mobility and prevented him from participating in activities he once enjoyed, including football.
Despite the physical challenges, Awuche remained optimistic and embraced the attention that came with his unique stature.
His family has decided to bury him in Tamale instead of Gambaga, saying the village would have struggled to accommodate the large number of mourners expected to attend his funeral.
