Ghana’s Tallest Man Awuche Dies at 33, Cause of Death Emerges

• Sulemana Abdul Samed, popularly known as Awuche and recognized as Ghana’s tallest man, has died at the age of 33 after battling complications linked to Marfan syndrome.

Sulemana Abdul Samed, popularly known as Awuche and widely recognized as Ghana’s tallest man, has died at the age of 33.

According to the BBC, Awuche passed away on Monday at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he was receiving treatment for infected sores on his legs.

He had been admitted to the hospital in Tamale, northern Ghana, about 160 kilometres from his hometown of Gambaga.

His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across Ghana, particularly in the northern region where his extraordinary height made him a well-known and admired figure.

A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, described him as a kind-hearted and generous man whose death has left many in shock.

“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,” Kudus told the BBC.

Diagnosed With Marfan Syndrome

Awuche was diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s and measured 7 feet 4 inches (223 centimetres) when the BBC profiled him in late 2022. It is believed he may have grown even taller before his death.

He also lived with Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissues and contributed to his unusually long limbs and other health complications.

According to his family, the infected sores on his legs were not directly caused by the syndrome but were likely complications arising from his condition.

Although doctors reportedly said he was responding well to treatment, he died unexpectedly on Monday.

Medical Support

The BBC reported that Awuche had struggled to pay for his medical treatment until Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama, the brother of President John Mahama, stepped in to assist with his healthcare costs.

Mahama had also met him personally and recently provided an update on plans to support his ongoing treatment.

A Life That Inspired Many

Known by the Hausa nickname “Awuche,” meaning “Let’s Go,” he became a local celebrity and a source of pride for residents of Gambaga.

His relative said Awuche’s fame brought national recognition to the community.

“Anywhere he found himself in the country, he would say he was from Gambaga, and people knew that was where the tallest man was from. It gave the community identity,” Kudus said.

The BBC recalled that Awuche was not exceptionally tall during childhood. His rapid growth reportedly began at the age of 22 while working at a butcher’s shop in Accra.

He previously recounted how his tongue suddenly became enlarged, making it difficult to breathe, before the rest of his body also began growing rapidly.

Doctors later diagnosed him with Marfan syndrome.

The condition eventually forced him to abandon his dream of becoming a driver and return to his hometown, where his mobility gradually declined.

“I used to play football like every other young man. I was athletic, but now I cannot even walk short distances,” he had said.

Despite the physical challenges, Awuche remained optimistic and embraced the attention his extraordinary height brought him.

His family has announced that he will be buried in Tamale instead of Gambaga, fearing that his hometown would be overwhelmed by the large number of mourners expected to attend his funeral.