Sulemana Abdul Samed, Ghana's tallest man, has died at the age of 33 in a hospital in the northern city of Tamale. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, especially in the north of the country, where his height had made him a local celebrity. Known by his nickname Awuche, meaning 'Let's Go' in Hausa, he was diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s and measured 7ft 4in (223cm) tall by the BBC in late 2022, likely having grown taller since.

A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, told the BBC that Awuche was known for his generosity and kindness. Many people have been visiting the family home to inquire about his death. Awuche suffered from Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder causing extremely long limbs and a curved spine. He struggled to pay medical bills but recently found a benefactor in Ibrahim Mahama, brother of Ghana's President John Mahama, who offered to cover his treatment at Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Kudus stated that the sores on Awuche's legs were not directly caused by Marfan syndrome but were likely complications. Despite doctors saying he was responding well to treatment, he died on Monday morning. The family decided to bury him in Tamale rather than his home village of Gambaga, fearing an overwhelming number of mourners.

Awuche began growing rapidly at age 22, first noticing his tongue swelling and difficulty breathing, followed by overall body growth. Nine years ago, his height forced him to give up his dream of becoming a driver and return to Gambaga. Despite his condition, he maintained a positive outlook and enjoyed his celebrity status, as reported by the BBC.

His death has shocked the community of Gambaga, which had become famous as the home of Ghana's tallest man. Kudus noted that Awuche gave the village identity and was popular wherever he went.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk