Ghana's tallest man Sulemana Abdul Samed dies at 33

Sulemana Abdul Samed, recognised as Ghana's tallest man, died on Monday at Tamale Teaching Hospital in northern Ghana. He was 33. The cause of death was infection from sores on his legs, a complication of his underlying condition, a relative told the BBC.

Samed, known by the nickname Awuche, meaning 'Let's Go' in Hausa, had been diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s. When measured by the BBC in late 2022, he stood 7ft 4in (223cm). He also suffered from Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, which led to his extreme height and long limbs.

A local celebrity

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Awuche's height made him a celebrity in his home village of Gambaga, about 100 miles north of Tamale. His relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, told the BBC that Awuche had brought 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,' Kudus said.

“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.”

Sulemana Abdul Kudus, relative

Awuche's height began to increase rapidly when he was 22. He told the BBC that he first noticed his tongue swelling, making it hard to breathe, and then his entire body grew. The condition forced him to give up his dream of becoming a driver and return to Gambaga nine years ago. He said Marfan syndrome also ended his ability to play football or walk short distances.

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In recent years, Awuche struggled to pay his medical bills. A benefactor, Ibrahim Mahama, brother of Ghana's President John Mahama, offered to cover his treatment at Tamale Teaching Hospital. Kudus told the BBC that despite doctors saying Awuche had responded well to treatment, he died on Monday morning. 'Everyone is just sad,' Kudus said, adding that residents of Gambaga were shocked by the sudden death.

The family said they had decided to bury Awuche in Tamale rather than Gambaga because the village would have been overwhelmed with mourners. Additional reporting by Favour Nunoo.