GHANA’S TALLEST MAN, SULEMANA ABDUL SAMED, DIES AT 33
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Agency Report
Ghana is mourning the death of Sulemana Abdul Samed, widely regarded as the country’s tallest man, who died on Monday at the age of 33 after suffering complications linked to Marfan syndrome.
Samed, popularly known as Awuche, died at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in northern Ghana, where he had been receiving treatment for infected sores on his legs.
He was admitted after the wounds worsened despite ongoing medical treatment. According to a family member, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, Samed had initially shown signs of improvement before his condition suddenly deteriorated.
Kudus described the deceased as a kind and generous man, saying many people continued to visit the family home following his death to seek information about what happened.
Samed was diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s and measured 7 feet 4 inches (223 centimetres) when he was assessed by the BBC in 2022. His family believes he may have grown even taller before his death.
His extraordinary height was linked to Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the body’s connective tissues and causing unusually long limbs.
The condition forced Samed to abandon his ambition of becoming a professional driver and return to his hometown of Gambaga after spending some time in Accra.
In an earlier interview, Samed recalled noticing unusual changes in his body at the age of 22 while working at a butcher’s shop in Accra.
He said his tongue initially became enlarged, making it difficult for him to breathe, before other parts of his body began growing rapidly. He was later diagnosed with Marfan syndrome.
Despite the challenges associated with his condition, Samed remained optimistic and became a popular figure across Ghana.
His nickname, Awuche, which means “Let’s Go” in Hausa, became closely associated with Gambaga and helped draw national attention to the community.
According to his family, Samed proudly identified himself as a native of Gambaga wherever he went, and people often recognised the community as the home of Ghana’s tallest man.
In recent months, Samed received financial assistance for his medical treatment from businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of Ghanaian President John Mahama, who reportedly pledged to settle his hospital bills.
His family said the infected sores that led to his hospitalisation were not directly caused by Marfan syndrome but were believed to have been complications associated with his condition.
Due to the large number of mourners expected to attend his funeral, the family has decided to bury Samed in Tamale rather than his hometown of Gambaga.
His death has triggered widespread grief, particularly in northern Ghana, where he was remembered for his humility, generosity and resilience in the face of years of health challenges.
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