Ghana Bids Farewell to Its Tallest Man
Sulemana Abdul Samed — nicknamed Awuche, meaning "Let's Go" in Hausa — passed away on Monday at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The 33‑year‑old, who measured 7ft 4in (223 cm) in December 2022 following a BBC investigation, was a local celebrity in the northern region, where his extraordinary height made him a source of pride and curiosity.
Doctors said the young giant had struggled with sores on his legs that became infected, a complication likely linked to his underlying condition. His death has shocked the community of Gambaga, his home village, where he once donated land to a community school and helped local businesses. Family members note that he was generous, friendly, and always willing to lend a hand, qualities that made him beloved beyond his physical stature.
A wuche’s life was a mixture of triumph and hardship. He was first diagnosed with Marfan syndrome and gigantism in his early twenties, after which his height accelerated dramatically. The condition constrained his mobility, altered his social life, and led to recurring medical costs. However, the personal support from Ibrahim Mahama — the brother of former President John Mahama — helped finance his treatment at Tamale Teaching Hospital, illustrating a partnership that might have saved his life.
The decision was made to bury him in Tamale rather than return him to Gambaga to accommodate the anticipated outpouring of mourners. Speculation suggests he may have grown even taller before his passing. Yet, his legacy will endure as a symbol of height, humility, and generosity in Ghana’s cultural memory.
For more stories from Ghana and across Africa, visit the BBC Africa news portal and turn to our interactive feature on social impact across the continent. Here is a photograph capturing Sulemana Abdul Samed smiling as he stood before a building, a reminder of the towering presence he will not be forgotten.
