Ghana mourns its tallest man – Sulemana Abdul Samed dies at 33

Sun Sep 06 2026 10:25:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The tragic death of Ghanaian giant Sulemana Abdul Samed, the country’s tallest living man, has sparked nationwide grief and reflections on his life and legacy.

At 33, Sulemana Abdul Samed, who stood 7ft 4in and had been diagnosed with gigantism, died of complications stemming from a serious infection at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The community in Gambaga and beyond, where he grew into a local legend, mourned his loss. He was supported by benefactor Ibrahim Mahama, the brother of former president John Mahama, who covered many of his medical expenses. Awuche’s story – marked by a medical journey through Marfan syndrome and the challenges of daily life – remains a testament to resilience and generosity in Ghana’s north.

The passing of Sulemana Abdul Samed, a towering figure of 7ft 4in (223cm), has left an emotional void across Ghana, especially in the north where he was a household legend. At 33, he succumbed on Monday to complications linked to infected sores on his legs after a course of treatment at Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Diagnosed with gigantism in his twenties, Samed, commonly known as Awuche – a Hausa nickname meaning "Let's Go" – carried the weight of a rare genetic disorder that stretched his limbs and spine. While his stature initially brought fame, it also later sparked hardships, from the inability to drive to difficulties in everyday mobility.

During his life, Awuche was celebrated for his generosity and kindness. Relying on support from Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former president John Mahama, he was able to manage the high cost of his healthcare. In a heartfelt note, his relative Sulemana Abdul Kudus told the BBC that Samed’s death prompts continued visits to his home, as villagers seek understanding and closure.

Despite medical progress, Samed’s condition led to a painful infection that ultimately proved fatal. In the aftermath, the family decided to bury him in Tamale rather than Gambaga, to avoid overwhelming the village with mourners.

Awuche’s memory endures as a symbol of community identity and resilience in Gambaga. His story, first reported by BBC inside Ghana in 2023, highlighted his earlier height‑related challenges in vision, speech and daily movement. Yet he remained positive and embraced his role as a double‑humble hero.