Ghana is mourning the loss of Sulemana Abdul Samed, popularly known as Awuche, who was the country's tallest man. He died at age 33 on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital after battling complications from gigantism.
Health Struggles and Public Appeal
In the weeks before his death, Awuche made a public appeal for financial assistance to undergo leg surgery. Doctors at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu had referred him to Tamale Teaching Hospital after his condition deteriorated. His family revealed that medical staff recommended amputating his left leg due to a severe infection.
The news of his death spread rapidly on social media, with many Ghanaians expressing sorrow and remembering him as a beloved national figure.
Who Was Sulemana Abdul Samed?
Awuche hailed from Gambaga in Ghana's North East Region. He gained fame after photos of his extraordinary height went viral, earning him recognition as the tallest man in Ghana. The BBC confirmed his height at approximately 7 feet 4 inches (2.23 metres) using a 16-foot tape measure, after earlier unverified claims suggested he stood 9 feet 6 inches tall.
He was diagnosed with gigantism, a condition caused by excessive growth hormone production leading to abnormal growth. His remarkable stature made him a nationally celebrated personality, drawing attention from around the world.
Impact and Legacy
Awuche's passing has left a deep sense of loss among those who followed his story. His public struggle with health and financial difficulties highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with rare medical conditions in Ghana. His appeal had drawn widespread sympathy, with many rallying to support him, though it ultimately could not save his life.
His death serves as a poignant reminder of the need for accessible healthcare and support systems for people with gigantism and similar disorders.
