Ghana mourns its tallest man - a 'generous and popular giant'

What the report says

BBC Africa reports that Sulemana Abdul Samed, widely known as Ghana’s tallest man, has died at 33, prompting grief in northern Ghana where he had become a well-known public figure. Abdul Samed, nicknamed Awuche, died on Monday at a hospital in Tamale, roughly 160km from his home village of Gambaga, after infected sores on his legs led to his admission.

According to the BBC, Abdul Samed had been diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s and was measured by the broadcaster in 2023 at 7ft 4in, or 223cm. Relatives said he may have grown further before his death. He also lived with complications linked to Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition affecting connective tissue, which the BBC reported had caused unusually long limbs and an abnormal spinal curve.

A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, told the BBC that people had been visiting the family home to understand what happened and described Abdul Samed as generous and kind. Kudus said doctors had indicated he was responding to treatment before his sudden death. The BBC also reported that businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of Ghana’s President John Mahama, had recently offered support for his medical bills at Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Abdul Samed’s height made him a local celebrity and brought recognition to Gambaga, his relative said. He had earlier told the BBC that his condition forced him to abandon hopes of becoming a driver and limited activities such as football and walking. His family plans to bury him in Tamale, saying Gambaga would likely be overwhelmed by mourners.