Omanghana
Sulemana Abdul Samed, popularly known as Awuche and widely regarded as Ghana’s tallest man, has died at the age of 33.
Awuche passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he had been receiving specialized medical care following a deterioration in his health.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of grief across Ghana, particularly in Gambaga in the North East Region, where he was a well-known and much-loved member of the community.
Awuche lived with gigantism and acromegaly, conditions associated with the excessive production of growth hormone. His condition caused abnormal growth, enlarged limbs, spinal curvature, mobility difficulties and other serious health complications.
Unlike some people diagnosed with gigantism during childhood, Awuche said his unusual growth became noticeable when he was about 22 years old and living in Accra.
He recalled waking up one morning to discover that his tongue had swollen so severely that he struggled to breathe. In the days that followed, he noticed rapid changes in other parts of his body.
The growth affected his ability to pursue several ambitions. He had hoped to become a professional driver, but his height and physical limitations made it difficult for him to fit safely inside conventional vehicles. He was also forced to abandon activities such as football as his mobility declined.
In the months leading to his death, Awuche suffered from a severe infection affecting his left leg. He initially received treatment at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu before being transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Doctors reportedly considered amputating the infected leg to prevent the condition from worsening. Following further assessment in Tamale, however, the medical team determined that an amputation was no longer immediately necessary.
His health subsequently deteriorated, and he died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Awuche attracted international attention in late 2022 after a health facility estimated his height at 9 feet 6 inches. If accurate, that figure would have made him taller than the officially recognized tallest living man.
The estimate was later found to be unreliable because the facility did not have equipment capable of accurately measuring someone of his height.
A BBC journalist subsequently travelled to Gambaga with a 16-foot measuring tape and recorded Awuche’s height at approximately 7 feet 4 inches, or about 2.24 metres. Some later local reports claimed he had continued growing, placing his height closer to 7 feet 8 inches, but the BBC measurement remains the most widely documented figure.
Despite the intense public attention surrounding his appearance, Awuche was remembered for his cheerful personality, humility and willingness to interact with visitors who requested photographs.
He also spoke openly about his medical condition and the financial difficulties involved in obtaining specialized care. His story helped draw public attention to the challenges faced by people living with rare hormonal disorders in Ghana.
Earlier in July, businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama pledged to cover Awuche’s medical bills, including the cost of treatment and any required surgery. Arrangements were also made to transport him to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for specialist care.
His family subsequently began preparations for his burial in Tamale in accordance with Islamic tradition. The city was selected to accommodate the large number of relatives, friends and sympathizers expected to attend.
Awuche leaves behind a legacy of resilience and acceptance. Despite the pain and limitations caused by his condition, he consistently expressed gratitude for his life and said he accepted the way Allah had created him.
Source: Omanghana
