Sulemana Abdul-Samed, popularly known as Awuche and widely regarded as Ghana's tallest man, has died after a prolonged battle with health complications associated with acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that causes excessive growth.
According to reports, the 32-year-old died at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the early hours of Monday, bringing to an end years of health struggles that had drawn national attention.
His death comes only weeks after businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama offered to cover the cost of his medical treatment following a public appeal for support.
Awuche rose to prominence in 2022 after international media highlighted his extraordinary height. Although initial claims suggested he had reached 9 feet 6 inches, subsequent measurements by the BBC established his height at approximately 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 metres), making him Ghana's tallest-known man.
Born in the Northern Region, Awuche lived with acromegaly, a condition caused by excessive production of growth hormone. The disorder led to continuous growth and left him with severe health complications, including chronic back pain, a curved spine and mobility challenges.
Despite his condition and growing public profile, he maintained a modest lifestyle, working as a farmer and mechanic while inspiring many with his resilience and optimism. His story also helped raise awareness about acromegaly and the challenges faced by people living with rare medical conditions.
In several media interviews, Awuche spoke openly about his desire to receive specialist medical care, marry and start a family. His condition, however, continued to deteriorate, prompting renewed public appeals for assistance.
Tributes have begun pouring in from Ghanaians on social media, with many remembering him not only for his remarkable height but also for his humility, perseverance and positive outlook despite years of illness.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable story that captured the attention of audiences both in Ghana and abroad, turning an ordinary young man from northern Ghana into one of the country's most recognizable personalities.
