Sulemana Abdul Samed, recognized as Ghana's tallest man, has died at the age of 33. Mr. Samed passed away on Monday in Tamale, a northern city, following complications from infected sores on his legs. His exceptional height was attributed to Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissues, which caused him to grow continuously.

Mr. Samed, who stood at 7ft 4in as measured in 2022 and was believed to have grown taller since, was a well-known figure in Ghana, affectionately nicknamed Awuche, meaning "let's go" in the Hausa language. He was considered a celebrity in his hometown of Gambaga, which gained national recognition through his prominence.

Relatives remembered Mr. Samed as a kind and generous individual who brought attention to his remote community. "Anywhere he went in the country, if people asked where he was from, he would say Gambaga and they knew that was where the tallest man came from. It gave the community an identity," said Sulemana Abdul Kudus, a relative.

Mr. Samed's health struggles were significant. Marfan syndrome can lead to excessive growth, long limbs, and serious heart issues. While his family stated the leg wounds were not a direct result of Marfan syndrome, they were likely linked to complications arising from his condition. His case drew national attention, with the brother of Ghanaian President John Mahama reportedly assisting with medical expenses when Mr. Samed faced difficulties accessing treatment.

Questions about Mr. Samed's exact height arose in 2023 when there was speculation he could be the world's tallest living man. Initial hospital estimates suggested a height of 9ft 6in due to a lack of appropriate measuring equipment, which would have made him the tallest person ever recorded. However, a subsequent measurement by journalists confirmed his height at 7ft 4in.

The current Guinness World Records holder for the tallest living man is Turkey's Sultan Kosen at 8ft 3in, and the tallest person ever reliably recorded was Robert Wadlow of the United States, who reached 8ft 11in before his death in 1940.

Mr. Samed's extraordinary growth spurt began in his early twenties. He described waking one morning with a swollen tongue, leading to breathing difficulties, and subsequently noticed his entire body continuing to grow. His increasing height and spinal curvature eventually forced him to abandon his aspirations of becoming a driver and playing football due to mobility challenges.