Sulemana Abdul Samed, widely known as Awuche and recognized as Ghana's tallest man, has died at the age of 33. His passing on Monday morning at a hospital in Gambaga came despite doctors reporting that he had been responding well to treatment.
Awuche was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissues, several years ago. The condition caused him to grow unusually tall, a trait that began at age 22. He recalled that at the time, he was working in Accra, Ghana's capital, when he first noticed changes, including his tongue expanding to the point where breathing became difficult. Soon after, other parts of his body began to increase in size.
While Marfan syndrome was the underlying condition, doctors noted that sores on Awuche's legs were likely a complication of his condition, rather than directly caused by it. The news of his sudden death has shocked and saddened residents of Gambaga, his hometown.
Awuche's height had made him a local celebrity and brought his community a unique identity. "Anywhere he found himself in the country and they asked him, he would say he is from Gambaga and people knew that was where the tallest man was from," said one resident. "It gave the community identity, and he was popular as well."
He was described as a "generous and popular giant" by those who knew him. His unusual stature, which began in his early twenties, made him a recognizable figure, but his personality left a lasting impression on his community.