Accra, Ghana — The nation of Ghana is in mourning as Sulemana Abdul Samed, known to all as Awuche, the tallest man in the country, passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 33. His towering height of 7 feet 4 inches (2. 24 meters) had turned him into a local celebrity, especially in the northern part of the country.
Awuche’s life was marked by the rare endocrine disorder acromegaly, which led to gigantism and significant health challenges. Despite these complications, his spirit remained strong, and he maintained a positive outlook on life, as documented by BBC Africa. Born in 1994 in the Northern Region of Ghana, Awuche’s growth began to accelerate in his early 20s.
He first noticed changes when his tongue expanded to the extent that he struggled to breathe properly. His condition, which also included long limbs, was diagnosed as acromegaly.
In 2022, Awuche’s story gained international attention when BBC reporter Favour Nunoo traveled to Ghana to verify claims of an individual standing at an astonishing 9 feet 6 inches tall. While the exact height was not confirmed, Awuche’s condition was well-documented, and he became a symbol of resilience and courage. Awuche’s journey was fraught with challenges, including battling complications from gigantism that led to sores on his legs that became infected.
Despite his appeals for funds to cover a leg surgery he could not afford, his medical bills remained a burden.
However, his plight caught the attention of businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama, the brother of Ghana’s President John Mahama, who offered to cover his medical expenses.
The sudden death of Awuche has sparked an outpouring of grief across Ghana, particularly in the northern region where he was a local icon. His generosity and kindness were well-known, with many expressing their sadness over his loss. “Everyone knew how generous and kind he was, “a relative told the BBC.
Awuche’s passing has also highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with rare medical conditions. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of medical research and support for those living with such disorders.
As Ghana mourns the loss of its tallest man, the nation reflects on the life of a man who overcame significant obstacles and became a symbol of hope and perseverance.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: BBC Africa
Source: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
