Tall Ghana

The Tall Ghana community joins people across the country in mourning the passing of Sulemana Abdul-Samed, popularly known as Awuche, who was widely recognized as the tallest man in Ghana.

Awuche passed away at the age of 33 in the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, while receiving treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Graphic Online reported that a family source confirmed his death and that his health had deteriorated due to complications associated with gigantism.

Standing at approximately 7 feet 4 inches, or 2.24 metres, Awuche became known throughout Ghana because of his extraordinary height. Wherever he went, his presence naturally attracted attention. However, behind the public fascination was a man living with a rare and complicated medical condition that affected far more than his height.

Gigantism is a rare hormonal condition that begins during childhood or adolescence, before the growth plates in the bones have closed. It occurs when the body produces excessive amounts of growth hormone, causing unusually rapid and continued physical growth.

In many cases, excessive growth hormone production is connected to a tumour affecting the pituitary gland, a small gland located near the base of the brain. However, the specific underlying cause of Awuche’s condition has not been publicly confirmed.

Gigantism is not the same as simply being naturally tall. While height is its most visible characteristic, the condition can place significant strain on different parts of the body. Long-term excess growth hormone may be associated with complications affecting the heart, blood pressure, blood sugar, joints, bones, breathing and mobility.

It is important not to assume that any one of these complications caused Awuche’s death. At the time of writing this post, the exact medical cause of his death has not been publicly announced.

His Struggle With Ongoing Health Problems

Awuche had reportedly been experiencing serious health challenges for several years.

In 2023, Citi Newsroom reported that he was living with chronic wounds on his legs and was appealing for medical assistance. The report also highlighted some of the everyday difficulties created by his extraordinary height, including finding suitable clothing, securing a bed long enough for him and maintaining his ability to work.

More recently, his declining health once again attracted national attention. He initially received treatment at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu before being referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for specialized care.

There had been concern that his left leg might need to be amputated. However, following a further medical assessment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in July 2026, it was announced that the leg would not be amputated. Businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama had reportedly taken responsibility for Awuche’s medical expenses and was prepared to support specialist treatment outside Ghana if required.

Sadly, despite the medical intervention and public support surrounding him, Awuche passed away at the hospital.

People of exceptional height are often treated as spectacles. Strangers may stare, take photographs without permission, make comments or ask intrusive questions. Their height can become the first and sometimes the only thing that others see.

Awuche’s life reminds us that every exceptionally tall person is more than a measurement. We are humans living in a world that was designed for the average and shorter heights.

Behind the headlines about being tall, Awuche was a human being with a family, personal ambitions, financial responsibilities, physical pain and a desire to live with comfort and dignity. The attention surrounding his height did not remove the very real challenges he faced.

His experience also raises important questions about access to early diagnosis, specialist endocrine care, long-term treatment and social support for people living with rare medical conditions in Ghana.



Tall Ghana was created to build community among tall people, celebrate our shared experiences and encourage greater confidence, connection and understanding.

Although many tall people enjoy advantages associated with height, we also understand the practical and social challenges of living in spaces that were not designed for taller bodies. These can include difficulty finding clothing and shoes, limited legroom, unsuitable furniture, uncomfortable transportation and unwanted public attention.

For someone living with gigantism, those difficulties may be accompanied by much more serious medical concerns like Awuche faced.

Awuche’s passing is therefore deeply meaningful to the Tall Ghana community. He was widely recognized as the tallest among us and became one of Ghana’s most visible symbols of extraordinary height. His story should not be remembered only because of how tall he stood, but because of the life he lived and the health challenges he endured.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this painful time.

May his story encourage greater compassion for people living with rare health conditions. 

Rest in peace, Awuche.

Sulemana Abdul-Samed
Known as Awuche
1993–2026