Sulemana Abdul-Samed, the gentle giant who towered over Ghana at 7 feet 4 inches, has died, leaving behind a legacy as extraordinary as his stature.
The man affectionately known as Awuche passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. He was 33.
His death followed weeks of treatment for complications arising from gigantism, a condition that caused his abnormal growth from a young age and later defined his life in the public eye.
A Nation Mourns
News of his passing spread quickly across social media, with many Ghanaians expressing shock and sorrow. For years, Awuche was more than a curiosity; he was a symbol of resilience, often seen navigating a world not built for his height with quiet dignity.
A family source who confirmed the death stated that burial arrangements are already in motion in Tamale, in keeping with Islamic customs.
From Gambaga to National Spotlight
Born in Gambaga, in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region, Awuche’s early life was unremarkable, until his growth spurt defied normal patterns. Family members recount that he was not born with gigantism; it emerged gradually, turning him into one of the country’s most recognisable figures.
His health took a serious turn recently, prompting a transfer from the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for advanced care. The move came after public appeals for help caught the attention of philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama, who stepped in to cover his medical bills.
A Glimmer of Hope
Just weeks before his death, there was optimism. On July 11, Mr Mahama’s aide, Rafik Mahama, announced that doctors had reversed an earlier decision to amputate Awuche’s left leg, a development that raised hopes for recovery.
Mr Mahama had also pledged to explore specialist treatment abroad if needed, a commitment he maintained until the end.
“He Was Not Born This Way”
Awuche’s family has consistently clarified that his condition was not congenital. Instead, it developed in childhood, later diagnosed as gigantism, a rare hormonal disorder that causes excessive growth.
Despite the physical and medical challenges, Awuche remained a familiar, warm presence. Wherever he went, crowds gathered, not out of mockery, but out of awe and affection.
Farewell to a Giant
His death marks the end of a life that was both a medical marvel and a deeply human story, one of struggle, support, and quiet strength.
As Tamale prepares to lay him to rest, those who knew him remember not just his height, but his spirit.
