Sulemana Abdul Samed, popularly known as Awuche and widely recognised as Ghana’s tallest man, has died at the age of 33.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across Ghana, particularly in the northern part of the country, where his extraordinary height and warm personality made him a beloved figure.
According to the BBC, Awuche died on Monday at the Tamale Teaching Hospital after being admitted for treatment of infected sores on his legs.
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He had been receiving treatment at the hospital in Tamale, about 160 kilometres from his hometown of Gambaga.
A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, described the late Awuche as a generous and kind-hearted man whose death has left many in shock.
“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.
Awuche was diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s. When the BBC measured him in late 2022, he stood at 7ft 4in (223cm), although it was believed he had continued to grow before his death.
Popularly called Awuche, a Hausa word meaning “Let’s Go,” he lived with complications linked to Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the body’s connective tissues, which caused his unusually long limbs.
The BBC reported that he had struggled to afford medical treatment until businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of Ghanaian President John Mahama, stepped in to support his care at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Mahama had also met Awuche and, earlier this month, provided an update on plans for his continued medical treatment.
Kudus explained that although the infected sores on Awuche’s legs were not directly caused by Marfan syndrome, they were likely a complication of the condition.
Despite reportedly responding well to treatment, Awuche died on Monday morning.
“Everyone is just sad,” Kudus said, adding that residents of Gambaga were devastated by the news.
He noted that Awuche’s fame had brought national recognition to the community.
“Anywhere he found himself in the country and they asked him, he would say he is from Gambaga and people knew that was where the tallest man was from.
“It gave the community identity, and he was popular as well,” Kudus said.
The BBC recalled that Awuche was not born exceptionally tall. His rapid physical growth began at the age of 22 while he was working at a butcher’s shop in Accra.
Speaking about the onset of his illness in an earlier interview, Awuche said, “I realised my tongue had expanded in my mouth to the extent that I could not breathe properly.”
He said that within days, the rest of his body also began to grow rapidly before doctors diagnosed him with Marfan syndrome.
The condition forced him to abandon his ambition of becoming a driver and return to Gambaga about nine years ago.
Reflecting on the impact of the illness, Awuche 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 remained optimistic and embraced the public attention his remarkable height brought him.
His family has decided to bury him in Tamale instead of Gambaga, fearing that the village would be overwhelmed by the large number of mourners expected to attend his funeral.