In brief
Ghana’s tallest living citizen, Sulemana Abdul Samed, aged 33, died in a Tamale hospital after an infection of sores on his legs, a complication linked to his Marfan syndrome diagnosis. He had become a local celebrity and a source of pride for the village of Gambaga, where his extraordinary height was both a wonder and a challenge. The community spurred a large outpouring of grief, while his relatives credited a benefactor—businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former President John Mahama—for covering his medical bills. Samed’s passing has highlighted the need for better medical support for individuals with rare genetic conditions in Ghana.
Ghana’s tallest man Sulemana Abdul Samed dies aged 33
Sulemana Abdul Samed, a 33‑year‑old from Gambaga, died Monday in Tamale Teaching Hospital after complications from an infection on his legs, a condition tied to his lifelong struggle with Marfan syndrome and gigantism.
Samed, known locally as Awuche, was measured at 7ft 4in (223cm) by the BBC in 2023. He had been a regional celebrity, his towering stature generating local pride and national curiosity.
Family members, including relative Sulemana Abdul Kudus, said the local community was stunned by the sudden loss and that mourners would return to the house to learn more about the circumstances of his death.
Samed’s medical costs were eased by Ibrahim Mahama, a businessman and brother of former President John Mahama, who pledged to cover his bills. Despite treatment, the infection worsened and led to his passing.
Local officials chose to bury Samed in Tamale rather than Gambaga to manage the expected crowds. His death sparks renewed conversations about healthcare access for genetics‑related disorders in Ghana.
