Ghana’s Tallest Man Dies at 33
Ghana is mourning the loss of Sulemana Abdul Samed, the man celebrated across the country as its tallest citizen, who has died at the age of 33 after battling long-term health challenges.
Fondly called Awuche, he became a familiar face not only because of his extraordinary height but also for the warmth and humility that endeared him to people wherever he went.
According to the BBC, Sulemana died on Monday at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he had been admitted for treatment after developing severe sores on his legs. He had travelled from his hometown of Gambaga to receive medical care.
His relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, said the news has left family members and residents of the community heartbroken.
“He was someone everyone admired because of his generous nature,” Kudus said, noting that sympathisers have continued to visit the family since his passing.
Sulemana’s unusual growth began in his early twenties after he developed health complications that dramatically changed his body.
In 2022, the BBC measured him at 7 feet 4 inches (223 centimetres), although those close to him believed he had grown even taller in recent years.
Medical experts later diagnosed him with Marfan syndrome, an inherited disorder that affects the body’s connective tissues and can lead to abnormal growth and other serious complications.
The financial burden of managing the condition made treatment difficult for years until businessman Ibrahim Mahama, younger brother of Ghanaian President John Mahama, stepped in to assist with his medical expenses.
Earlier this month, Mahama had reportedly been working on plans to ensure Sulemana continued receiving specialised care.
Family members explained that while the infected sores on his legs were not directly caused by Marfan syndrome, they were believed to have developed as a complication of his overall condition.
Although doctors had observed signs of improvement, he passed away on Monday morning.
Sulemana’s remarkable height brought widespread attention to Gambaga, turning the quiet northern community into a place many Ghanaians could easily identify.
His journey was far from ordinary. Before his illness, he dreamed of becoming a commercial driver and enjoyed playing football.
However, the condition gradually took away his mobility and forced him to return home after leaving Accra.
In one of his earlier interviews, he recalled noticing that his tongue had suddenly become enlarged, making it difficult for him to breathe.
Within days, the rest of his body also began to grow rapidly, leading to the diagnosis that changed the course of his life.
Despite the challenges, he refused to allow his condition to define him, choosing instead to live with hope and grace while inspiring many with his resilience.
His family has announced that his final burial will take place in Tamale rather than Gambaga, saying the decision was made because they expect a large turnout of mourners that the village may not be able to accommodate.
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